- Proposals to license animal care services
Licensing for businesses such as dog walkers, canine fertility
services and dog groomers is being considered to improve animal
welfare standards.
The Scottish Government is seeking views on a proposed licensing
scheme, which aims to ensure consistency in standards across the
animal care services sector. Regulations would apply to:
- dog walking businesses
- dog grooming services
- canine fertility services
- pet accommodation services
- riding establishments and businesses involved in other equine
activities.
The consultation will also seek views on introducing greater
regulation of greyhound racing in Scotland.
Environment Minister said:
“Scotland is a nation of pet lovers. Fortunately, the majority of
people working in the animal care sector are incredibly
passionate about caring for animals and already operate to high
standards of animal welfare. But sadly there are still some
businesses which fall short when it comes to putting animal
welfare first.
"With greater regulation of the sector, we can give more
confidence to people that are interacting and buying services
from animal care service providers that these businesses are
operating to the highest possible welfare standards.
“However, we must also strike a balance with any proposed
regulation - to ensure those already operating to a high standard
aren’t unduly affected. That is why we are consulting and I
encourage organisations, businesses and the public to make their
views known.”
Helene Mauchlen, National Manager for Scotland at The British
Horse Society said:
“The British Horse Society and World Horse Welfare warmly
welcomes this consultation, which is an opportunity for Scotland
to demonstrate its commitment to animal welfare and a thriving
equine sector. Riding establishments are vital to Scotland’s
horse world, but regulations around their licencing need a
refresh.
“Meanwhile, the livery yards where so many people keep their
horses are not regulated at all. This consultation is an
opportunity to change this and give horse riders and owners the
peace of mind that the welfare of horses at these establishments
will be protected.”
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said:
“At the moment, there are many animal-related vocations that are
completely unregulated. We have sadly encountered cases where
suffering has been caused in these industries due to negligence
or lack of knowledge. Licensing these activities will help to
safeguard animals and people when using these services.
“Canine fertility clinics are growing across Scotland and the
rest of the UK. We are aware of veterinary surgery being carried
out on dogs by laypeople, including caesarean sections and the
administration of veterinary medicines, including hormones to
encourage litters. These practices can result in extreme
suffering and in the worst cases, death, particularly when
carried out by those unqualified to do so.
“We would encourage individuals, businesses and groups to respond
to this consultation to have their say on animal welfare in
Scotland.”
Background
Licensing of activities
involving animals - Scottish Government - Citizen Space
(consult.gov.scot)
The consultation will run for 12 weeks and close on 26 September
2023.
The Scottish Government will carefully consider all responses to
the consultation, alongside any recommendations made by the RAI
Committee and the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission in respect
to the regulation of greyhound racing in Scotland.
Scotland’s Local Authorities will be responsible for enforcing
the measures included in the consultation.
