Legal responsibilities when undertaking chick hatching projects

Animal welfare law and chicks kept in classrooms 

Law firm Advocates for Animals has produced a report for Animal Aid setting out the legal provisions that teachers should be aware of, such as The Animal Welfare Act 2006, when keeping chicks in the classroom: 

  • The legislation creates a positive duty to look after animals properly, which is not the same as a negative one not to cause them harm.
  • Chicks have complicated needs that need to be met under the law, placing an obligation on everyone responsible for the new-born chicks to research their needs and ensure legal compliance.
  • Any breach of the law could render the school, the individual teacher and/or the pupils liable.

Download the Animal Welfare Law and Chicks Kept in Classrooms reportÂ