CRRN Welfare / Welfare Legislation
CRRN Welfare
At Central Reptile Rehome Network welfare is our main priority.
All rescue members affiliated with the network undergo an intitial self assessment of which they then have to provide documented, photographic and video evidence of.
Once part of the network, rescues are given a period of time to intergrate, improve and progress in there welfare standards, once this period is over they will be assigned a welfare benchmark.
Our welfare benchmarks cover not only the main points of welfare but take into consideration member experience, knowledge and whether they operate as a new starter or an established rescue.
Our aim is to have rescues that go above current legislations. This will bring trust from the wider reptile community and the public.
Welfare monitoring
Our welfare strategy does not stop at the points above.
We have an experienced, educated welfare team and specialists that will regularly and routinely carry out welfare monitoring checks.
This will be done by video calling and rescues will be expected to comply with site tours, providing documents and records.
This ensures rescues are held to account and ensures they are maintaining their current welfare benchmark.
Quarantine / biosecurity
- Quarantine for new arrivals
- Separation of animals where needed
- Hygiene and cleaning protocols
Rescues must take active steps to prevent illness and respond appropriately when it occurs.
Husbandry
- Enclosure standards
- Environmental control
- Feeding and diet
All reptiles must be kept in conditions that meet their species-specific needs, even in a rescue setting.
Veterinary Care
- Registration with a veterinary practice
- Clear pathway for:
- Illness
- Injury
- Parasite treatment
Veterinary care is compulsory to be part of the network.
Rescue processes and Responsible Capacity
- Intake limits
- Ethical decision-making
- Rehoming practices
- Adopter care / after care / care guides
- Record keeping
Rescues must operate within their limits and prioritise welfare over volume or demand.
The Animal Welfare Act 2006
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 is the primary law in England and Wales governing how animals must be cared for, and it applies to anyone responsible for an animal — including owners, rescues, and anyone temporarily in charge of them. At its core is a legal “duty of care,” which requires that reasonable steps are taken to meet an animal’s welfare needs at all times. These needs include providing a suitable environment, an appropriate diet, the ability to exhibit normal behaviour, appropriate housing (whether alone or with others), and protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease. Crucially, the Act is proactive, meaning an offence can be committed not only by causing harm, but by failing to prevent it.
It is also an offence to cause or allow unnecessary suffering, which includes neglect, poor husbandry, or failing to act when an animal is clearly unwell. Responsibility under the Act is broad — anyone handling or caring for an animal, even short-term, is legally accountable for its welfare. This is particularly important in rescue settings, where animals may be in temporary care but must still have their needs fully met. The Act also covers offences such as abandonment, mutilation, and involvement in animal fighting, and gives authorities powers to investigate, seize animals, and prosecute where necessary.
In practice, the Act means that rescues must ensure welfare standards are consistently maintained, regardless of circumstance. Temporary or high-pressure situations do not remove responsibility, and a lack of resources is not a justification for poor care. Ultimately, the legislation is not about achieving perfection, but about taking reasonable, informed, and consistent steps to protect animals from harm and ensure their ongoing wellbeing.
Link: Animal Welfare Act 2006
Animal Activities License (AAL)
The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 came into force on 1st October 2018. These regulations require individuals and businesses to obtain a license for specific activities involving animals.
These regulations aim to improve welfare standards across activities that involve animals such as handling sessions, educational talks and parties.
To obtain a license, operators must meet various conditions, which include: Compliance with general and specific conditions outlined in the regulations, undergoing inspections by local authorities to assess compliance with welfare standards and maintaining proper records and documentation related to the care and management of animals.
Link: The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018