Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Written Evidence


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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