Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 places a duty of care on people to “ensure they take reasonable steps in all the circumstances to meet the welfare needs of their animals to the extent required by good practice”. This means they must take positive steps to ensure they care for animals in their protection properly and in particular must provide for the five welfare needs, which are: need for a suitable environment need for a suitable diet need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns need to be housed with, or apart, from other animals need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.   These points are similar to the ‘Five Freedoms’ which addresses both the mental and physical needs of animals:   Freedom from Hunger and Thirst (all animals should have ready access to fresh water and diet to maintain health and vigor). Freedom from Discomfort (all animals should have shelter and a comfortable place to rest). Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease (all animals should receive proper medical care, including preventative care and rapid diagnosis and treatment for injuries or disease). Freedom to Express Normal Behavior (all animals should have sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind). Freedom from Fear and Distress (all animals should receive conditions and treatment that allow them to avoid mental suffering).