Reviewing Scotland's animal welfare act now 'imperative, says BVA president

TEN years after the introduction of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act, it is now imperative to assess whether it has kept pace with changes in society and is still effective in protecting animal welfare in Scotland. So said Gudrun Ravetz, the BVA president, addressing the BVA's Scottish dinner in Edinburgh last week. Noting that Roseanna Cunningham, Scotland's cabinet secretary for environment, climate change and land reform, had told BVA that a review of the Act would be taking place in the next four to five years, Mrs Ravetz said that such a review should be a priority. Highlighting a number of animal welfare issues, such as non-stun slaughter, the use of wild animals in travelling circuses, and brachycephalic dogs and cats, she said that vets had a unique opportunity and responsibility to advocate animals' best interests at individual, community and national levels. She criticised the Scottish Government's...
Source: Veterinary Record - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: News section Source Type: research