Under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 anyone who is responsible for an animal has a legal duty to take reasonable steps to ensure its welfare.
Although the Code does not have legislative effect, in order to encourage the highest standards of husbandry, it highlights good practice and also indicates the legal requirements in the areas of stockmanship; health; feed, water and other substances; accomodation; equipment; management and makes specific recommendations for pregnancy and calving, calf rearing, breeding animals and dairy cows.