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ANALYSIS OF RESPONSES TO THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT 'PROPOSALS TO REVISE EXISTING ANIMAL WELFARE LEGISLATION'
(21) Sustainable development
Page 11 of the consultation document stated the Executive's policy on sustainable development. A number of responders specifically commented on the proposals and their relationship with sustainable development:
This is an important element of the Executive policy. It is about combining economic progress with social and environmental justice. Are there any issues to consider, both direct and indirect? (PDSA)
Broadly welcome the vision of 'sustainable development' provided in the Executive's statement of 30 April 2002, in particular two of the principles: we should (1) minimise the impact of our actions on future generations by radically reducing our use of resources and by minimising environmental impacts; (2) live within the capacity of the planet to sustain our activities and to replenish resources which we use. These principles should be taken into consideration in all areas covered by this consultation that involve animals taken from the wild. The welfare of captive animals taken from the wild and the status of the species in the wild are closely linked in many respects, as mentioned above. Strengthening animal welfare standards and legal controls over the buying, selling and keeping of wild animals will help to reduce the number of animals affected and therefore reduce the impact on wild populations and their habitat. (IFAW)
We do not foresee any conflict between animal welfare legislation and sustainable development. It may be of benefit to the overall Scottish economy to have strong animal welfare regulations in place, encouraging leading ethical companies to consider business opportunities in Scotland. It is of positive benefit to the country, human and animal life, to implement positive animal protection measures. (West Lothian Animal Rights and Veggies)
In the making of legislation and in subsequent individual situations, there must be a statutory requirement to fully research and investigate the outcome of such proposed legislation upon wild animals, insects and plants. Human economic and social aims, and targets must not be allowed to destroy environments and habitats. (Cat Action Trust 1977)
Sustainable development and the economic impact of animal welfare should not be an excuse to allow animals to suffer. It is arguable that increased welfare requirements in both sheep and salmon farming in Scotland would have been good for the industries as well as the animals. If sheep farmers had been forced by law to provide proper veterinary care for their stock it is likely that stocking densities would have been lower, giving better prices per head and perhaps avoiding the glut of animals in the late 1990s when a NFUS official declared that sheep were worth 'less than a packet of crisps'. To the majority of farmers sheep are still worth less than the few pence per annum it would cost to vaccinate them against footrot and other debilitating and painful conditions. Increased welfare standards might also have stabilised the salmon farming industry which went for quantity not quality and suffered greatly from disease and mortalities causing many companies to fold. (Animal Concern, individual)
There is a need for a balanced approach to the implementation of proposed animal welfare legislation. In rural communities many people earn their living through the management or breeding of certain animals. While we condemn those who mistreat animals, the majority of those involved with animals take the greatest care of them, and adhere to the highest standards. We do not want to see legislation implemented that will make it more difficult for those people to promote good animal welfare within their businesses and the wider community. This will inevitably provide a disincentive for good businesses and good managers to continue and could threaten important aspects of rural communities, their environment and their society. This legislation intends to encourage and promote the good management and welfare of animals. We must not allow it to put barriers in the way of those trying to do just that. (Scottish Countryside Alliance)
The shooting industry often makes use of land that cannot be realistically used for any other business. This Bill should not infringe on peoples' ability to develop these areas by restricting their ability to rear game. (Scottish Gamekeepers' Association)
It is important that any moves in general to the current high United Kingdom farm animal welfare standards do not operate to such commercial disadvantage that it becomes uncompetitive within its trading market place. If it does so, then we will see fewer animals being kept in the United Kingdom and more animal derived products being imported from countries with lower animal welfare environments. The classic current examples of this are in the United Kingdom veal sector where nearly 100 per cent of United Kingdom production was exported and the United Kingdom pigmeat sector where 50 per cent of United Kingdom production was exported. The same is beginning to happen in the United Kingdom poultry sector. (Scotlean Pigs)
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