Hansard

The Deputy Presiding Officer (Linda Fabiani) SNP

The next item of business is a debate on motion S5M-23916, in the name of Emma Harper, on the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill at s...

Emma Harper (South Scotland) (SNP) SNP

I am pleased to open today’s debate on the general principles of the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill. The bill will update and str...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

I call Edward Mountain to speak on behalf of the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee. 16:22

Edward Mountain (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Con

Before I begin, I would like to make a declaration of interests, in that I am a member of a family farming partnership. As convener of the Rural Economy and...

The Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment (Ben Macpherson) SNP

I am pleased to have an opportunity to contribute to the debate, and I commend Emma Harper for her commitment and excellent work in bringing the bill to Parl...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

Will you come to a close, please?

Ben Macpherson SNP

Of course, Presiding Officer. I hope that the Parliament will welcome those changes as I believe that they will strengthen and improve the bill and they hav...

Jamie Halcro Johnston (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Con

I remind members about my entry in the register of members’ interests as a partner in a farming business. I am also a member of NFU Scotland. I congratulate...

Colin Smyth (South Scotland) (Lab) Lab

Labour will support the general principles of the bill. I thank Emma Harper for introducing it. Livestock worrying is a problem that should concern not only...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

Members should be aware that speeches are starting to run over time a wee bit. John Finnie has three minutes. Interruption. Excuse me, Mr Finnie—there is a ...

John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Green

Thank you, Presiding Officer. I congratulate Emma Harper on getting the bill to this point. The Scottish Green Party will support the general principles of ...

Mike Rumbles (North East Scotland) (LD) LD

I am pleased to see that our committee’s report on the bill is a unanimous one that recommends that Parliament agree to its general principles today. I, too,...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

We move to the open debate. We are running a little short of time. All members who are speaking in the debate are likely to end up on gallery view shortly—pl...

Maureen Watt (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) SNP

I, too, am pleased to be taking part in this stage 1 debate to urge parliamentary colleagues to allow further consideration of the Dogs (Protection of Livest...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

We seem to be having a few issues with connectivity. I will try Finlay Carson on audio only. We still seem to be having a problem with Finlay Carson, even i...

Claudia Beamish (South Scotland) (Lab) Lab

I thank Emma Harper for bringing forward the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill. Scottish Labour fully supports the Rural Economy and...

Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) SNP

I declare that I am the joint owner of a very small registered agricultural holding that our neighbour Gordon, who is a farmer, puts sheep on from time to ti...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

For the last of the open speeches we will try Mr Carson again. I know that you will all be disappointed if it is audio only, but we are trying that. Can we h...

Finlay Carson (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Con

Good afternoon, Presiding Officer.

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

Hello, Mr Carson. We can hear you fine.

Finlay Carson Con

As a former farmer, member of the NFUS and dog owner, I welcome the opportunity to speak in this stage 1 debate. I support in principle the aims of the bill,...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

We move to closing speeches. We are a wee bit behind time, so it would be useful if members were to apply brevity. 17:03

Colin Smyth Lab

This afternoon’s debate has set out clearly why the bill is needed, and I welcome the consensus that we have heard in support of the principles of the bill. ...

Peter Chapman (North East Scotland) (Con) Con

I welcome the opportunity to close the debate for the Scottish Conservatives. I remind members of my entry in the register of members’ interests, which shows...

Ben Macpherson SNP

I welcome the consensus on the amendments that the bill requires, and in particular on the merit of making the agreed changes to the 1953 act at this time. ...

Emma Harper SNP

I will pick up on a few points in closing, but first I thank all members for their contributions today. I also thank the members of the Rural Economy and Con...

The Deputy Presiding Officer SNP

That concludes the stage 1 debate on the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill.