Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 24th December 2020
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Scottish Government puts forward new legislation to improve animal welfare
The legislation will also introduce Lucy's Law which requires prospective puppy buyers to purchase directly from a licensed breeder.

New laws around breeding and pet selling could come into force in 2021

Changes to the law regarding breeding of puppies, kittens and rabbits are currently under consideration by Scottish Parliament.

The new legislation will update existing laws around pet breeding and selling. It will require anyone breeding three or more litters of puppies or kittens or six litters of infant rabbits, in any 12-month period, to be licensed.

The regulations would also ensure that people sourcing five or more animals in any 12-month period for the purposes of rehoming them as pets will need a license. Additionally, license holders will need to demonstrate high standards of animal welfare.

The legislation will also introduce Lucy's Law, which came into force in England in April of this year. This law requires anyone wishing to buy a puppy or kitten to purchase directly from a licensed breeder or consider adopting from a licensed rehoming centre.

If approved by Scottish Parliament the legislation will come into force on 1 September 2021.

Natural environment minister Ben Macpherson said: “Ensuring the best standards of animal welfare is a hugely important issue. It’s also a priority for the majority of dog, cat and rabbit breeders in Scotland.

“Unfortunately, for a minority the breeding of animals to sell as pets is simply an easy way to make money, without appropriately considering animal welfare. That’s why we’re putting forward this legislation to deliver better welfare protection for animals.

He continued: “The new licensing regulations will give prospective pet owners greater confidence that they are sourcing a healthy and well-cared for animal from individuals or organisations that operate to high standards of animal welfare.

“If this legislation is approved then Scotland will become the first part of the UK to require licensing of cat and rabbit breeders, animal sanctuaries and rehoming activities.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."