MSPs affirm tail docking ban as animal bill passed
1 Jun 06
Gamekeepers' protest fails to win concession
The Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Bill has passed its final stage in the Scottish Parliament.
MSPs yesterday approved the measure after turning down last-minute attempts to exempt working dogs from a blanket ban of docking of dogs' tails - despite a vigorous protest from gamekeepers' organisations. However the Executive promised to consider evidence that dogs were being injured as a result.
The Executive is also to consult over the banning of wild animals in circuses.
The parliament narrowly approved extended powers in Scottish Ministers to have animals slaughtered on an outbreak of disease.
For the first time, the bill places a general duty of care on owners towards their animals, updating welfare provisions that date back almost a century. The new laws mean that animals can be taken into care before they begin to suffer. It also becomes an offence to supply, publish, distribute or show a recording of an animal fight, or to possess a recording with the intention of distributing or showing it.
Those found guilty of neglecting their pets face a £5,000 fine or six months in prison, while those convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to animals could be fined up to £20,000 or 12 months in prison.
Deputy Environment Minister Rhona Brankin said: "The bill requires animal owners to care for their animals properly. Seemingly innocent acts which could cause suffering such as leaving your dog in a car on a sunny day may mean you have failed in your duty of care under the new legislation.
"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 environment, rural economy and society as a whole."