Written Question · S4W-17063 · Session 4
Further to the answers to questions S4W-03974, S4W-10157 and S4W-11225 by Richard Lochhead on 21 November 2011, 12 November 2012 and 28 Nov…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S4W-03974, S4W-10157 and S4W-11225 by Richard Lochhead on 21 November 2011, 12 November 2012 and 28 November 2012 respectively, whether it plans to introduce secondary legislation under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 regarding the (a) sale of pets, including internet sales, (b) use of animal sanctuaries, (c) use of wild animals in circuses, (d) regulation of equine establishments, (e) use of electronic shock collars for dog training and (f) breeding and sale of dogs and, if so what the timetable is.
The answer
The Scottish Government met with stakeholders on 22 March to discuss the sale of pets, including internet sales, and we are currently considering what further action might be taken.
A consultation regarding a possible ban on the use of wild animals in circuses has been drafted; we are currently awaiting clarification of the legal position of any ban before issuing.
An informal survey on the matter of equine establishments was carried out in 2012. A number of options are currently under consideration.
The latest Defra-funded research into the effect of electronic shock collars found no evidence of long-term or significant harm to dog welfare. Based on this evidence the Scottish Government do not believe that there are sufficient grounds for a ban.
A consultation regarding a possible ban on the use of wild animals in circuses has been drafted; we are currently awaiting clarification of the legal position of any ban before issuing.
An informal survey on the matter of equine establishments was carried out in 2012. A number of options are currently under consideration.
The latest Defra-funded research into the effect of electronic shock collars found no evidence of long-term or significant harm to dog welfare. Based on this evidence the Scottish Government do not believe that there are sufficient grounds for a ban.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-17063 by reference.