The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
MSP presses for law to ensure responsible people own dogs
Bill: Regulations around the breeding and sale of puppies would be tightened
An MSP wants to change the law to make it a requirement for people to have a “responsible and informed approach” to owning a dog.
Christine Grahame said the move could help “tackle the horrors and misery of so-called puppy farms”.
The SNP MSP has launched a consultation on her planned member’s bill, which aims to improve regulations around the breeding and sale of dogs.
The plans have already got the backing of animal charities including the Scottish SPCA and the Dogs Trust, as well as The Kennel Club.
Ms Grahame, convener of Holyrood’s cross-party group on animal welfare, said: “My proposed bill seeks to better regulate dog breeding but, most importantly, for the first time it would also place new obligations on owners as well as breeders to ensure a more responsible approach to owning a puppy or dog.
“It aims to reduce the distress to both animals and indeed owners, some of
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My proposed bill seeks to better regulate dog breeding but, most importantly, for the first time it would also place new obligations on owners aswellas breeders. CHRISTINE GRAHAME MSP
whom may find they have been duped, with all the heartache which follows.
“I also hope that, through placing responsibilities on those acquiring a puppyordog,itcanhelptacklethehorrors and misery of so-called puppy farms and the inappropriateness of online sales.”
The bill would ensure everyone who breeds and then sells, or transfers ownership of a puppy, is either licensed or registered.
In addition, it plans to “provide a mechanism for ensuring a more responsible and informed approach to acquiring and owning a puppy or dog”.
Ms Grahame said: “Too many dogs end up with chronic health conditions from irresponsible breeding or in rehoming centres having gone to a home that was unsuitable in the first place.”
She launched the consultation at the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, where director of operations Lindsay Fyffejardine warned: “There is a growing problem of irresponsible breeding activities in Scotland.
“While many people have the best intentions when they buy a dog, it’s important that we safeguard the public, and our animals, from these practices.”
Mike Flynn, of the Scottish SPCA, said: “We welcome MSP Christine Grahame’s member’s bill proposal, which is in line with our #Saynotopuppydealers campaign that encourages the public to be more responsible sellers and buyers of puppies.”