PE2130, which was lodged by James Mackie, calls on the Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to introduce a ban on the removal of all hair from a horse’s tail to leave a bare stump, other than for medical reasons.The petition was last considered on 25 November 2025, when we agreed to write to the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity. The minister informs us that, following discussions with stakeholders, it has been agreed that the existing equine code will be replaced with equine guidance, which does not require parliamentary approval and is therefore easier to keep updated. The aim is for that guidance to be published by March. The minister states that the practice of removing the hair from a horse’s tail will be addressed in the guidance, but he confirms that the Government has no plans to legislate to prohibit the practice.In an additional submission, the petitioner expresses concerns that the draft guidance has not yet been published and that it remains unclear what protection the Scottish Government intends to provide for horses. Do members have any comments or suggestions for action?
Official Report · Committee
Continued Petitions
Horses’ Tail Hair Removal (Ban) (PE2130)
Speakers
Choose an MSP to read only their contributions- Jackson Carlaw Con 2
- David Torrance SNP 1
The record
3 contributions
link
I wonder whether we could consider closing the petition under rule 15.7 of standing orders, on the basis that the Government has no plans to legislate for the ban that the petition asks for and that it intends to replace the equine code with equine guidance by March this year. If that guidance has not been brought forward by then, the petitioner can consider lodging a new petition in the next session of Parliament.
The proof of the pudding will be in the eating, and we will be eating it very soon. We will be able to see whether that happens. If it does not, I would recommend that a fresh petition be lodged when Parliament reassembles. Are we content to close the petition?Members indicated agreement.
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