Guernsey animal welfare law update agreed by States

Changes to Guernsey's animal welfare laws, including increased penalties for cruelty offences, are expected to be made.

Deputies agreed to the drafting of legislation in order to update laws drafted in 2003 and approved in 2008.

The update includes rules on animal fights, licensing and additional powers for the court.

The Commerce and Employment Department has said the changes could be enshrined in law during 2012.

Commerce and Employment Minister Caral McNulty Bauer said it was the "last but one step" in bringing the laws up to date.

The States has directly employed a veterinary officer for the first time in order to oversee animal welfare in the island.