http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2005/10/06103836

For info. Last time this was on the forum racing dogs were exempt. Dave - you put in a submission to the legislation?



New measures to protect animals

06/10/2005

New powers to protect Scotland's pets and improve the health and welfare of other animals were announced today.

Under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Bill, owners who fail to care for their pets properly could face six months in jail and fines of up to £5,000.

The new legislation will introduce penalties for anyone involved in dog fighting. Those caught could face a maximum penalty of £20,000 and one year in prison.

Minister in charge of animal welfare Ross Finnie said:

"This legislation proposes significant new measures to safeguard the welfare of domestic, pet and captive animals and to help to bring an end to animal suffering in Scotland.

"The Bill will require animal owners to care for their animals properly.

"It will make it illegal to sell animals to young people under the age of 16 and to offer animals as prizes.

"The mutilation of animals for cosmetic purposes has long been a cause for concern and unless such practices can be proven to be necessary on welfare grounds, these activities will be banned under the Bill.

"The Bill also includes measures to reduce the risk of future disease outbreaks and enhance the Executive's ability to respond where they emerge. This will help to protect animal and public health, as well as the rural economy."

Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Superintendent Mike Flynn said:

"Scottish SPCA Inspectors have frequently been in the position of having to walk away from animals knowing they were in a vulnerable position. The new Bill will enable Inspectors to act before an animal suffers and will save animals' lives."

Actor Tony Roper, a patron of the SSPCA, said:

"Along with all fair minded people I welcome this. I hope to see heavy penalties imposed on the purveyors of animal cruelty who take advantage of the fact that abused animals can't speak up for themselves."

The Bill also includes provisions to:

* Allow animals to be taken into care before they begin to suffer
* Extend the powers available to Scottish Ministers to tackle quickly and eliminate exotic animal disease
* Extend powers of slaughter in disease outbreaks
* Give the power to inspect vehicles in any outbreak

The Bill updates the Animal Health Act 1981 and strengthens Animal Welfare Legislation, some of which dates back to 1912.