Amendments to the Animal Health Act 1981: consultation analysis

Section 3: Next Steps

The Scottish Government is very grateful to all those who took the time to respond to this consultation. Overall the responses were positive about proposals to give Scottish Ministers a power to make regulations allowing fixed penalty notices to be used in relation to animal health offences.

The responses have provided valuable insight from those involved in enforcement as to the type of fixed penalty notice regime that would be appropriate for animal health offences. The Scottish Government will consider the views expressed in this consultation when developing the power to make regulations allowing for fixed penalty notices within the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill.

In addition, a number of practical suggestions have been made as to further amendments that may be necessary to improve animal health legislation. These responses are now being considered as we determine the next steps of our review of animal health legislation.