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Preface
The aim of this code is to help you to look after your dog properly. Under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 ("the Act"), if you own or are in charge of an animal, you have a legal duty to take reasonable stepsto ensure its welfare. This code explains what you need to do to meet the standard of care the law requires. The legislation quoted in boxes at the end of this document is included to highlight the relevant legal requirements.
If you are a parent or guardian of a child less than 16 years old, you are responsible for the child's animals, even if the animals are registered in the child's name.
Breach of a provision of the code, whilst not an offence in itself, can be used in evidence where somebody has been accused of an offence under the Act. Equally the code can be quoted by anyone who has acted in accordance with its provisions, as a defence against any prosecution under the Act. You should also be aware that failure to meet your 'duty of care' may result in unnecessary suffering, which could lead to the more serious offence of cruelty under the Act.
This code applies in Scotland only and has been issued by the Scottish Ministers, following its approval in draft by the Scottish Parliament. It covers all domestic dogs.
A dog under veterinary supervision may have additional or special needs resulting from treatment which will supersede the requirements of this code.
You will also find reference in the code to 'pet care specialists'. These are people who, through qualification or experience, can provide expert advice on welfare and some aspects of health for one or more types of pet animal. Examples are animal behaviourists, veterinary nurses and dedicated welfare organisations.
To find out more about the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and details of your responsibilities under it, see Appendix 1 at the end of this code. For further links, including links to other sources of information, see Appendix 2.
You should be aware that the legislation cited in the code and Appendix 1 is correct at the date of issue but may be subject to subsequent change.
This preface is not part of the code but is intended to explain its purpose and broad aims. Similarly Appendix 1, which provides information on the relevant legal requirements and Appendix 2, which lists some additional sources of information, are not part of the code itself.
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