The Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 2005 (as amended) prohibit religious slaughter (slaughter without prior stunning) outside a slaughterhouse. This helps protect the welfare of animals slaughtered for consumption during Muslim or Jewish religious ceremonies, or festivals. In addition the Animal Welfare Act 2006, makes it an offence to cause an animal under the control of man unnecessary suffering. In addition, the Act places a ‘duty of care’ on any owner or keeper to ensure that the welfare needs of their animals are met. Meeting the needs of animals includes the provision of a suitable environment (place to live); a suitable diet; ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns; to be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable); and to be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease.