The Chair of Scotland’s first-ever independent Animal Welfare
Commission has been confirmed.
Announced as part of the Programme for Government, the Commission
will focus on protecting wild and companion animals while also
providing scientific and ethical advice to government.
The Commission, which will be chaired by Professor Cathy Dwyer
will specifically look at:
- how the welfare needs of sentient animals are being met by
devolved policy
- possible legislative and non-legislative routes to further
protect the welfare of sentient animals
- the research requirements to provide an evidence base for
future policy development
Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon said:
“Animal welfare is a subject that I feel very passionately about
so I’m delighted to announce Professor Dwyer as the first Chair
of the independent Scottish Animal Welfare Commission who will
bring a depth of expertise and knowledge to the Commission.
“I have tasked the Commission to look specifically at how our
current policies take account of the welfare needs of sentient
animals, what improvements could be made and report back to me
with their conclusions.
“I’m proud of Scotland’s high standards when it comes to animal
welfare and believe this step will strengthen those standards
even further. I look forward to working with Professor Dwyer to
ensure we have the highest standards of welfare for our animals.”
Professor Cathy Dwyer from Scotland’s Rural College said:
“I am deeply honoured to accept the position of Chair of the
Scottish Animal Welfare Committee and am excited about the
opportunity to make a difference to the welfare of all Scotland’s
animals. I am delighted that the Scottish Government recognise
the importance of animal welfare for wildlife, farmed and
companion animals and that acceptance of animal sentience will be
central to government policy relating to animals. After 25 years
working in research and education in animal welfare, I am looking
forward to the new challenges ahead.”
Background
A total of 11 commissioners will be recruited by open
advertisement and interview to sit on the Commission in an
individual capacity and not as representatives of particular
groups or organisations.
Professor Cathy Dwyer is Professor of Animal Behaviour and
Welfare at Scotland’s Rural College and sits as a scientific
advisor on various international animal welfare bodies, including
the EU Animal Welfare Platform, the Global Animal Partnership,
and Dog’s Trust.
The Commission will only consider areas that are within the
normal current remit of the UK Farm Animal Welfare Committee and
the UK Zoo Expert Committee where these relate to the overall
responsibility of the Scottish Government.
A sentient animal is one that can experience feelings such as
pain or pleasure.
