Scottish SPCA welcomes animal welfare 'game-changer'
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THE Scottish SPCA has welcomed the Scottish Parliament’s "momentous" decision to vote in favour of a new law which will transform animal welfare.
The charity, which is responsible for investigating animal cruelty and rehoming animals seized on welfare grounds, says the Bill, which received cross-party support and passed its final stage in parliament last night, will be game-changing.
The Animals and Wildlife (Scotland) Bill will increase the maximum sentence for the worst animal cruelty or wildlife crime offences from one year to five and/or an unlimited fine.
It will also remove the need for the Scottish SPCA to obtain a court order to rehome an animal involved in legal proceedings which has not been signed over to its care. On average last year, animals in this situation spent nearly seven months in Scottish SPCA care. Under the new law, these animals could be rehomed after three weeks.
Last year the Scottish SPCA seized 60 dogs from a Moray puppy farm in a joint operation with Moray Council and Police Scotland. Two of the rescued dogs were pregnant, which resulted in 78 in total.
Overall in Moray last year its officers responded to more than 16,800 incidents and rehomed 473 animals.
Scottish SPCA chief executive Kirsteen Campbell said: "This is a momentous day for animal welfare in Scotland. The proposals which will be enshrined in law will deliver wholesale, transformational change for animals nationwide.
"The inconsistency of sentences handed out to those guilty of animal cruelty has long been a frustration. We are hopeful increased sentencing and unlimited fines will act as a greater deterrent to people in mistreating animals and ensure the punishment befits the crime for the worst offences, such as animal fighting and puppy farming."
The Bill will also introduce greater protections for service animals such as police dogs and horses.
A late amendment to the Bill means a licensing system will be introduced for the killing of mountain hares.
Kirsteen added: "The only circumstances under which the Scottish SPCA will accept mass killing or culls of any species is when it is in the interests of the wider health of the species or if there is a serious threat to human health or safety. Bloodsport is no excuse for the widespread slaughter of any animal, and that includes those who slaughter mountain hares to boost estate income."
The Scottish SPCA and fellow animal welfare charity OneKind also welcomed Scottish Government plans to commission a six-month research project into the value of empathy training for offenders against animals.
Libby Anderson, OneKind policy adviser, said: "Most people accept that there is a positive bond between humans and animals, and yet harm and abuse still occur. We hope the research will establish that there are innovative ways of repairing that bond and promoting empathy for animals, such as restorative justice processes."
Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon said: "This Bill is an important milestone in Scotland’s long tradition of protecting our animals and wildlife."
