Lex Maja came into effect after the cat Maja starved to death when the owner was admitted to the hospital. The police received an alarm about the cat only eleven days after the cat's owner was admitted. The cat was in such a bad condition, having received neither food nor water, that she had to be euthanized.

Before the police intervention, a cat shelter had tried to get the woman's home care service to open the apartment door to help the distressed cat, but in vain. The home care service referred to confidentiality regulations and that the sick woman had relatives and a guardian. The law has been in effect since 2019.

Anyone who works in health and social care and who encounters neglected animals in their work has the right to break their confidentiality to report that animals are subjected to neglect or abuse to the county administrative board or the police. This is provided that it is obvious that the animal is not doing well or has recently been subjected to violence. Likewise, if animals have been abandoned or left without supervision for a long time.

While it is allowed, it does not mean that there is a duty. The rules should still be known in the operations and there need to be routines. Regarding nursing homes, there are residences where there are animals. Some accommodations have short-term places and respite places where the elderly will stay for many weeks. Then it may emerge that there are animals in the individual's home. Likewise, one can find out about relatives of the residents who have animals and who have ended up in the hospital.

A report should be limited to dealing with information about the animal and where the animal is located. However, the report also needs to contain necessary information about the animal keeper's identity, address and any other contact information. It is important to remember that the report should not contain information about the individual's health condition or other personal circumstances.

Lex Maja is important legislation for the well-being of our pets

In our society, the relationship between people and their pets is strong and meaningful. Many people, especially the elderly, have animals that are their loyal companions and an important source of comfort and joy. To ensure that these animals do not suffer when their owners get sick, the legislation has introduced Lex Maja.

What is Lex Maja?

Lex Maja is legislation aimed at protecting animals that depend on a caregiver's care. It is named after Maja, a cat who suffered when her owner became ill and could no longer take care of her. This legislation means that care staff and others in the care sector have a duty to report if they become aware that an animal is at risk due to the owner's illness or care needs.

Why is Lex Maja important?

Protection for animal welfare: Lex Maja is primarily focused on animal welfare. When a person becomes sick and can no longer take care of their pet as they used to, the animal may be at risk. Lex Maja gives healthcare professionals tools to intervene and ensure that the animal receives the care and attention it needs.
Preserving the relationship with their pet: Animals can be an important part of a person's life, especially the elderly. Losing a pet due to lack of care can be heartbreaking. Through Lex Maja, healthcare professionals can help preserve these valuable relationships.
Preventing animal cruelty: By noticing and intervening when an animal is at risk, Lex Maja can also prevent animal cruelty and ensure that those who possibly expose their animals to danger are held accountable for their actions.

How does Lex Maja work in practice?

Lex Maja means that if healthcare professionals become aware that an animal is at risk due to the owner's illness or care needs, they must report this to the relevant authority. This authority has the power to intervene and take measures to protect the animal.

What does Lex Maja mean?

If a person working in health and social care encounters neglected animals in their professional practice, it is under certain conditions allowed to break confidentiality. This is the meaning of the provision, the so-called Lex Maja, in the public access to information and secrecy act.

How do I make a Lex Maja?

Reports can be made via a web form, by calling or sending a letter. Healthcare and care staff can call and consult with an animal welfare officer if they are unsure if there are sufficient reasons to report. The county administrative board receives many reports that turn out to be unfounded and the animals are doing well.

Being aware of Lex Maja and following its guidelines is part of ensuring that the operation is in compliance with the legislation.

Reflection Questions - Lex Maja
Care staff:
- Do you have residents who have pets?
- Are these receiving the care they need?
- Is there a risk that they are suffering?

Manager, nurse, occupational therapist and physiotherapist:
- Do you have routines around Lex Maja in the organization?
- Are the routines known?
- Are there animals in the operation?
- Do you have good routines for handling them?

Residents and relatives:
- Are you aware of situations where animals are at risk due to the illness of their owner?
- What can you as a relative do in such a situation?

Erland Olsson
Specialist nurse
Sofrosyne - Better Care Every Day