Promoting Responsible Dog Ownership in Scotland: Microchipping and other Measures. An Analysis of Consultation Responses

Annex 1: Scotland for Animals Campaign Text

Please accept this document as my formal submission re consultation ISBN: 9781784121129 Promoting responsible dog ownership in Scotland: microchipping and other measures.

I believe that the issue of irresponsible dog ownership and the consequences of this require far more robust measures than those proposed by ministers. I ask the Scottish Government ensure that Scotland leads the way in introducing bold legislation to ensure the welfare and safety of both animals and humans. I ask that:

Mandatory licensing be introduced as part of procedures to ensure appropriate qualification for animal ownership.

Compulsory micro-chipping only be introduced in conjunction with mandatory licensing.

Fees should be nominal and structured to provide substantial discount for neutered dogs.

Through amendments to the Licensing of Animal Dealers (young kittens and young dogs) Scotland Regulations 2009 or any new legislation the sale and transfer of ownership of dogs under all circumstances should be documented and registered.

All sales require licensing.

Fees be placed on the breeding and sale of animals for profit through amendments to the Licensing of Animal Dealers and Young Dogs (Scotland) Act 2009, The Breeding of Dogs Act 1973/ 1991, Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999 and/ or any new legislation.

The number of litters born to a single dog licensee annually before a breeding licence is necessary be brought down from five to two.

Possession of Licenses and licensing requirements such as health and welfare adherence be enforced by local authority inspectors.

All relevant Local Authority duties be made mandatory through national legislation such as amendment to Licensing of Animal Dealers (young kittens and young dogs) Scotland Regulations 2009 the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973/ 1991, the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999 and/ or any new legislation.

Enforcement and administrative costs be met by fees collected.

The Licensing of Animal Dealers and Young Dogs (Scotland) Act 2009 be amended to include those in possession of any licence/licences issued prior to effective date of that legislation.

Agreement be made involving Police, Procurators Fiscal and Sheriffs to deal with any incidents through the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 and not the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

This be with a view to removing the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 from statute completely.

Dogs must wear collar and tag with details of the dog and registration number at all times when in a public place.

The muzzling of all dogs in public places should not become mandatory.

No reference be made to breed or characteristics in any legislation.

Mandatory basic training should be required for prospective dog owners.

If you should require any supporting evidence for any of the above I have instructed Scotland for Animals (charity Sc039109) and Scottish Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue (charity SC043662) to provide this on my behalf.

I am responding as an individual.

I agree to my response being made available to the public but not my name and address.

I give permission for Scottish Government Departments to contact me only to acknowledge receipt of submission.