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; feed and water; health; management; breeding techniques; pregnancy and lambing; artificial rearing; housing; hazards and makes specific recommendations for milk sheep.