Scots pet shops facing overhaul of rules
● Tory MSP launches bid to change ‘outdated and failing’ laws on pet trade
Animals sold in pet shops need better protection as the current law is “outdated and failing”, the Scottish Conservatives have said.
Jeremybalfourhaslaunched a consultation on a member’s bill to bring in a stricter licensing scheme for pet shops.
The Conservative MSP highlighted research from animal charity Blue Cross indicating the current legislation governing pet shops dates from 1951 and is outdated, leading to a lack of consistency.
The member’s bill aims to address what are seen as weaknesses in the law, including an inability of councils to revoke a licence, no guidance on licence fees – which range from £23 to £380 across Scottish local authorities – and inconsistency in inspections.
Mr Balfour said: “With animal welfare being a fully devolved issue, the Scottish Parliament has a real opportunity to improve the lives of pets and pet owners across Scotland.
“Current legislation governing the sale of pets is outdated and failing to protect animals or pet owners.
“Every pet bought from a pet shop, no matter the species, is important to their new owner.
“It is the latest addition to their family.
“This legislation will ensure our system is sufficiently robust to protect animal welfare and enable the public to buy with confidence, safe in the knowledge that the pet shop they are buying from is a reputable, licensed establishment which has been subject to a stringent licensing process.”
In his consultation document, he said the proposed bill does not intend to “hamper” the pet trade but to ensure animal welfare needs are met.
Blue Cross and industry body the Pet Industry Federation have backed the planned bill.
Pet Industry Federation chief executive officer Nigel Baker said: “As the UK trade association for pet businesses, the Pet Industry Federation welcomes the launch of Jeremy Balfour’s consultation on pet shop licensing.
“At over 60 years old, the legislation governing pet shops sales in Scotland is very outdated, and doesn’t fully take into account the changing business models around pet sales that have emerged in that time.
“The legislation is in urgent need of an overhaul in order to safeguard animal welfare and ensure that standards of licensing and inspection are applied and enforced consistently across Scotland.”
Beckythwaites,headofpublic affairs at Blue Cross welcomed the Conservative bid to bring the legislation up to date.
She said: “We have been pleased to work with Jeremy Balfour MSP on this proposal to improve the licensing of pet shops across Scotland.
“Current legislation around the selling of pets is vastly outdated and we welcome the opportunity to bring it up-todate to better protect the welfare of pets in Scotland.
“We hope that interested parties will take the opportunity to take part in this consultation to ensure both pets and their owners are protected at the point of sale.”