Meeting of the Parliament 09 May 2024
I congratulate Christine Grahame on introducing the Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Bill and on her concerted efforts during my time in Parliament to improve animal welfare more generally.
The policy memorandum states that the bill’s aim is
“to improve the health and wellbeing of dogs throughout their lives, by establishing a more responsible and informed approach to acquiring and owning a dog”.
Ideally, a prospective owner will take time to fully consider the implications of getting a dog, but Blue Cross points out that a significant minority of prospective owners do not do the research that they should do.
According to the Scottish SPCA, dog ownership has increased since 2020 but so, too, have low-welfare puppy dealers who are chasing profit. Research from the University of Edinburgh shows that, sadly, those dogs often suffer from behavioural issues and illnesses as a result of breeding conditions. Current efforts to tackle the issue focus mostly on the supply of dogs. They include the Scottish SCPA’s on-going efforts to disrupt the puppy farming trade, which is estimated to be worth £13 million a year. We commend those who are involved in those efforts, but as it is the demand for dogs that gives unscrupulous breeders an opportunity to exploit, we must ensure that demand is more informed and responsible.
The 2023 animal wellbeing report by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals shows low levels of awareness of best practice across the UK. For example, less than half of dog owners knew that puppies for sale should be seen with their mother. Part 1 of the bill would help address those knowledge gaps through a new code of practice and accompanying certificates. The code would include questions for prospective buyers on, for example, whether the intended breed is suitable for their family and whether they can afford to look after a dog. Blue Cross and the Scottish Government have pointed to an opportunity to include information on breed-specific health issues. Those measures could be useful. I also note the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee has recommended that the proposed questions not be set out in the bill.