Memorandum submitted by the Scottish Rural
Property and Business Association
The Scottish Rural Property and Business Association
(formerly SLE) understands that the draft Animal Welfare Bill
as introduced would consolidate and bring up to date legislation
that currently exists in England and Wales to promote the welfare
of farmed, domestic and captive animals. Whilst the SRPBA would
always endorse any measure that improved the welfare of animals
in proportionate and practical ways, the legislation being proposed
here would not be applicable in Scotland. Therefore, the SRPBA
reserves most of its commentary on such matters to its direct
involvement in parallel developments being instigated by the Scottish
Executive, namely the draft Protection of Animals (Scotland) Bill.
However, the SRPBA would like to briefly contribute
to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee's consideration
of the draft Bill by suggesting that a review of the specific
laws relating to domestic or captive animals is overdue. Much
of the current legislation does not include the welfare responsibilities
relating to farmed livestock and quarry species. Nevertheless,
the SRPBA would support clarification of offences in relation
to cruelty to animals, as well as the strengthening and amendment
of offences in relation to animal fighting. The SRPBA also endorses
the introduction of a duty of care, whereby a keeper of an animal
would commit an offence if he or she failed to take reasonable
steps to ensure the animal's welfare. It is right that the protection
for companion animals should be brought into line with the current
level of protection afforded to farm animals.
The SRPBA hopes that the Committee finds this
very brief submission at least clearly supportive of the Bill's
intention.
August 2004
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