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Animal
cruelty offences against pets will carry a six month jail term and fine of
up to £5,000.
Offering animals, including goldfish, as prizes and
the docking of dogs’ tails will also be a
criminal offence under the new legislation.
Animal cruelty offences
against pets will carry a six month jail term and fine of up to £5,000,
under new welfare legislation, says local Labour MSP Allan Wilson.
The bill also contains a wide range of measures designed to tackle cruelty
and neglect - while boosting the prevention of disease.
The Animal Health and Welfare Bill, passed in the Scottish Parliament on
Wednesday 31 May, will place a duty of care on people who own animals and
will increase the age for buying a pet from 12 to 16.
Offering animals, including goldfish, as prizes and the docking of dogs’
tails will also be a criminal offence under the new legislation.
Speaking immediately after the Bill was passed Cunninghame North MSP Allan
Wilson said “My postbag has been filled over recent months with letters from
constituents deeply concerned about the welfare of their pets. The Animal
Health and Welfare Bill contains important new legislation which will
protect our pets and other animals and help to bring an end to cruelty and
suffering.
“For the first time owners will be required by law to care for their animals
properly and where they do not animals can be taken into care before they
begin to suffer and not when it is too late. There will be a full ban on the
docking of dogs’ tails which will put an end to this cruel and unnecessary
practice.”
The Bill will
also:-
Allow animals to be taken into care before they begin to suffer.
Enhance the Scottish Executive’s powers to respond to an outbreak of a
fast-spreading animal disease.
Creating offences of arranging an animal fight – even if it does not take
place – and causing an animal fight to take place.
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