A code of practice for owning and selling dogs in Scotland will be drawn up under a new law passed at Holyrood.
The Welfare of Dogs Bill aims to promote responsible pet ownership with a new voluntary code that is designed to ensure Scots understand the level of commitment needed before taking on a dog as a pet. That includes making sure they’re able to feed and walk them regularly, have a suitable environment for the animal, have a suitable breed and can commit to caring for the dog their whole life.
The legislation, put forward by dog-loving SNP MSP Christine Grahame, requires the government to produce the new code of practice within 12 months. It also originally included proposals to set up a Scotland-wide database for registering unlicensed puppy litters in a bid to tackle the blight of puppy farming – but this was later dropped when the government said such a system would not be “effective or proportionate”.
Meanwhile, a bid by Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer to include a ban on controversial electric shock collars within the Bill failed on Thursday night.
Under the new code, prospective dog owners will get a checklist of questions about whether they have the time, space and cash needed to look after a dog. That would then lead to a certificate, to be signed by the new owner and the person they are acquiring the dog from, confirming both sides understand the commitment involved.
The scheme is voluntary and the certificate isn’t a licence or a legally binding document. But Grahame, who has been campaigning for the changes for seven years, said she hopes it will raise awareness around what responsible dog ownership entails – and force people to think first before taking on the responsibility of a new pet.
The Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale MSP, who is standing down at the next election, told MSPs: “This certificate has to be produced if reasonably requested by animal welfare agencies where if they have concerns about a dog’s welfare… With the passage of my bill, I hope we avoid the abandoned, discarded puppies and dogs which feel the kennels of the rescue centres and that owner and dog have a happy and rewarding relationship for the years ahead.
“I had such a relationship with my late dog, Roostie, a wonderful, kindly Irish setter who, to this day, 40 years after her death, I remember with fondness. Once again, I hope this is a small step in reducing the impulse buying of puppies or dogs, so often lining the pockets of the criminal fraternity.”
Scottish Government minister Jim Fairlie said he would look again at the issue of shock collars after a review from independent experts comes back in April.
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