Cruel Treatment of Cattle Act 1822

Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Cruel Treatment of Cattle Act 1822 (3 Geo. 4. c. 71) was an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom with the long title "An Act to prevent the cruel and improper Treatment of Cattle"; it is sometimes known as Martin's Act, after the MP and animal welfare campaigner Richard Martin.[1] It is the first known piece of animal welfare legislation in the world.[2]

Long titleAn Act to prevent the cruel and improper Treatment of Cattle.
Territorial extentUnited Kingdom
Royal assent22 July 1822
Quick facts Long title, Citation ...
Cruel Treatment of Cattle Act 1822
Act of Parliament
coat of arms
Long titleAn Act to prevent the cruel and improper Treatment of Cattle.
Citation3 Geo. 4. c. 71
Territorial extent United Kingdom
Dates
Royal assent22 July 1822
Commencement22 July 1822[a]
Repealed9 September 1835
Other legislation
Repealed byCruelty to Animals Act 1835
Relates to
Status: Repealed
Text of statute as originally enacted
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A painting of the trial of Bill Burns, the world's first known conviction for animal cruelty under the 1822 Martin's Act, after Burns was found beating his donkey. The prosecution was brought by Richard Martin, also known as "Humanity Dick", and the case became memorable because he brought the donkey into court.

The act listed "ox, cow, heifer, steer, sheep, or other cattle". This was held not to include bulls. Section 2 of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 (5 & 6 Will. 4. c. 59) extended the wording of this act to remedy the issue.[3]

Subsequent developments

The act was repealed by section 1 of the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 (5 & 6 Will. 4. c. 59).

See also

Notes

References

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