THE KENNEL Club last week welcomed a statement by a Scottish Government minister that it will work with the KC’s Dog Health Group to make any necessary steps to improve the health and welfare of dogs.

The remarks came about after a question was asked of the Scottish Executive by David Whitton MSP, concerning the recommendations made by Professor Sir Patrick Bateson in his Independent Inquiry into Dog Breeding.

Cabinet secretary for rural affairs and environment Richard Lochhead replied that the Scottish Government would consider changing the law only if the KC was unsuccessful in its efforts to improve the health and welfare of dogs.

Both Prof Bateson’s inquiry and that of the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare’s suggested that an independent advisory body be set up to provide advice and make recommendations through the KC to breed clubs.

Further action

The Bateson report also called for changes in the law including a requirement for all puppies to be microchipped, new regulations to replace the ‘out-dated’ Breeding and Sale of Dogs Act 1999, and better enforcement of good welfare on licensed breeding premises.

Mr Whitton, Labour MP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden, asked: ‘...what plans does it (the Scottish Executive) have to address the legislative recommendations made in Professor Bateson’s report.’
Mr Lochhead replied: ‘Prof Bateson’s report makes a number of recommendations which would involve changes to the legislation on the breeding and sales of dogs and the Dangerous Dogs Act. Rather than take action at this stage to legislate, the Scottish Government intends to work with the KC and its Dog Health Group, which now has a broader remit, additional independent experts and under an independent chairman, to make the changes necessary to improve the health and welfare of dogs.

‘The KC will encourage all dog breeders to participate in the Accredited Breeder Scheme, which Prof Bateson recognised as close to the ideal model.

‘Only if the KC is unsuccessful in its attempts to improve the health and welfare of dogs, would the Scottish Government consider legislation.

‘The Control of Dogs (Scotland) Bill is presently making its way through Parliament. This is a Member’s Bill but it has been given Government support. If passed it will go a considerable way in meeting the recommendation on Dangerous Dogs in the Bateson Report.’

KC spokesman Caroline Kisko said: ‘The Scottish Government’s response is extremely welcome and encouraging, and demonstrates that the KC and the Dog Health Group are in the best position to move forward with Professor Bateson’s recommendations. They also highlight his comments that the Accredited Breeder Scheme is close to the ideal model for dog breeding and its regulation.’

Control of dogs

Meanwhile, the British Veterinary Association and British Small Animal Veterinary Association have welcomed the Scottish Parliament’s vote at the first stage of the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Bill which will place a legislative focus on the deed, rather than the breed of dogs and hold dog owners to account.

The Bill received cross-party support when MSPs voted in favour of the proposals on F, which would offer a flexible range of Control Orders providing practical measures to stop dogs getting out of control and place the focus on the owner.

The BVA has long been opposed to any proposals which single out particular breeds of dogs rather than targeting individual aggressive dogs.

Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA, said: ‘We welcome the recognition that controls should not be based on the breed of a dog but on actions and behaviour of individual dogs and their owners. We believe that the manner in which a dog behaves is a result of its inherited characteristics, but more importantly the rearing and training provided by the owner.

‘The problems caused by dangerous dogs will never be solved until dog owners appreciate that they are responsible for the actions of their animals. The BVA and BSAVA hope that the principle of ‘deed not breed’ will soon be recognised in the rest of the UK.’

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