A Lanarkshire MSP has hailed the work of Dogs Trust following the charity’s visit to Holyrood.
The charity held a drop-in event in Parliament to raise awareness of dog welfare issues in Scotland and to chat with MSPs who are a crucial piece of the puzzle that can help build a better future for dogs.
At the event, representatives from Dogs Trust spoke to MSPs from across the political spectrum about fireworks, tighter restrictions on licensing for dog breeders and sellers, stricter regulation of online pet advertising and sale, and reform of dog control legislation amongst other issues.
Conservative Central Scotland Region MSP Meghan Gallacher said: “I am pleased to support Dogs Trust in raising awareness of key dog welfare related issues.
“As the UK’s dog population continues to rise, and with growing demand on the animal welfare sector, it is more important than ever that we work together to ensure our legislation meets the evolving needs of dogs and their owners.”
Dogs Trust has two rehoming centres in Scotland, in West Calder and Glasgow and on average, rehomes around 600 dogs a year in Scotland.
Claire Wilson-Leary, Dogs Trust Public Affairs Manager, said: “We were delighted to visit the Scottish Parliament and meet with MSPs to discuss our policy priorities for Scotland.
“Thank you to Meghan Gallacher MSP, who attended and spoke to us about issues including fireworks and the lack of pet-friendly housing, as well as our recommendations for improving the welfare of our four-legged friends.
“We are grateful for their interest and support.
“We look forward to continuing to work with MSPs on various issues to improve dog welfare within Scotland. We support an increase in the availability of pet friendly housing and are pleased that the Housing (Scotland) Bill, which provides tenants with greater rights to keep a pet in rented accommodation, is progressing through the Scottish Parliament.”
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