This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Animal welfare law strengthened
06/10/2006
People who abuse animals will face stiffer penalties under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, which comes into force today.
It means that people who cause unnecessary suffering to animals could face 12 months in jail and fines of up to £20,000.
The Act introduces a duty of care on everyone responsible for animals, obliging them to meet animals' basic welfare needs. It bans using animals as prizes or selling animals to people under 16, and supports the response to serious outbreaks of animal disease.
Animal Health and Welfare Minister Ross Finnie said:
"Abuse of animals is undeniably wrong. This Act updates outdated legislation some of which is nearly 100 years old, to give significant new protection to the welfare of pets and captive animals.
"I want to help end animal suffering in Scotland. For the first time, Inspectors can now take pre-emptive action to remove an animal from situations in which it is likely to suffer, a significant step forward in preventing abuse.
"We now have modern laws that will make a significant difference to animal health and welfare in Scotland."
Leonora Merry of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said:
"Today is a historic day for animal welfare in Scotland. This Act represents the culmination of many years of work by the SSPCA and the Scottish Executive. For the first time ever, our Inspectors will be able to actively step in and relieve an animal in distress before it begins to suffer. We have finally brought animal welfare legislation into the 21st century. This Act should serve us well."
The Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act was passed by the Scottish Parliament on May 31 and received Royal Assent on July 11.
Other Welfare provisions in the Act:
- Introduce 'care notices' which would give the owner time to make improvements to the care of their animals before a case would be considered for court action.
- Allow animals to be removed from owners before they begin to suffer
- Make it illegal to supply, publish, distribute or show a recording of an animal fight, or to possess a recording with the intention of distributing or showing it
- Allow Ministers to introduce Codes of Practice
Health provisions:
- Allow the Executive to respond more quickly and effectively to outbreaks of exotic disease.
- Extend the slaughter powers available to Scottish Ministers to tackle quickly and eliminate exotic animal disease
- Provide powers to license animal and bird gatherings
- Allow Scottish Ministers to set Biosecurity Codes to reduce the risk of disease occurring or spreading
It is intended that Regulations under the Act, which will be made over the next few years, will cover:
- Mutilations, such as tail docking
- Pet dealing in Scotland
- Animal sanctuaries
- The use of wild animals in circuses
- The welfare of racing greyhounds
The Act amends the Animal Health Act 1981 and strengthens animal welfare legislation some of which dates back to 1912.