Executive seeks views on animal mutilations

Consultation will cover issues such as tail docking, ear tagging and branding

News, 17 October 2006

The Scottish Executive is looking for views on plans to ban acts of animal mutilation in Scotland under new laws which came into force earlier this month.

The consultation will cover issues including castrations, ear tagging, tail docking and branding.

It follows the introduction of the Animal Health and Welfare Act which establishes a duty of care for animal owners and introduces a maximum prison sentence of 12 months and fines of up to £20,000 for anyone guilty of causing unnecessary suffering.

Animal Welfare Minister Ross Finnie said: "The consultation paper lists a number of procedures which we believe need to be permitted in order for normal farm animal husbandry to take place. No provision has been made to allow for the tail docking of puppies.

"We committed to consulting on animal mutilations during the bill's passage through parliament.

"I recognise that this has provoked a strong reaction and I would encourage those who believe they have evidence to support exemptions to take part in the consultation."

The consultations will last for 12 weeks until 5 January 2007 and will be sent to around 3,000 groups with an interest in animal welfare.

The consultation can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/10/12104247/0

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