Duty to care proposed for pet owners
7 Oct 05
Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Bill strengthens animal protection
Proposed new powers to protect Scotland's pets and improve the health and welfare of other animals have been revealed.
Under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Bill, published by the Executive yesterday, owners who fail to care for their pets properly could face six months in jail and fines of up to £5,000.
The bill updates the Animal Health Act 1981 and strengthens animal welfare legislation, some of which dates back to 1912.
Among its provisions are penalties for anyone involved in dog fighting. Those caught could face a maximum penalty of £20,000 and one year in prison.
Preventive measures
The bill also includes provisions to allow animals to be taken into care before they begin to suffer; extends the powers available to Scottish Ministers to tackle and eliminate exotic animal disease; extends powers of slaughter in disease outbreaks; and gives the power to inspect vehicles in any outbreak.
Ross Finnie, the Minister in charge of animal welfare said: "The bill will require animal owners to care for their animals properly. It will make it illegal to sell animals to young people under the age of 16 and to offer animals as prizes.
"The bill also includes measures to reduce the risk of future disease outbreaks and enhance the Executive's ability to respond where they emerge. This will help to protect animal and public health, as well as the rural economy."
Superintendent Mike Flynn of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said: "The new bill will enable Scottish SPCA inspectors to act before an animal suffers and will save animals' lives."