20/01/2025
Please read, wherever you are based, but more importantly if you are in Scotland. Pushing this bill through the back door is not about animal welfare in the slightest. It's political point scoring & driven by ideological agendas. See the full post below.
𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 ‘𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞’
There is a new bill going through parliament this week with these amendments to be added into the animal welfare act:
“whether the acquirer is committed to preventing unnecessary suffering and ensuring the welfare of the dog (for example, by not using any device which applies an electric current to the dog's skin)”
“whether the acquirer is committed to training the dog in a safe and healthy manner which ensures the welfare of the dog”
“whether the acquirer is committed to preventing unnecessary suffering and ensuring the welfare of the dog (for example, by not using prong or choke collars) “
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲:
The legal wording could easily be construed in such a way to cover martingales and slip leads; the tighten function is exactly what some dogs need who are a flight risk or a risk to others. It means that we then can’t then rehabilitate these dogs because we can’t use tools to keep them safe - the direct implications for rehabilitating challenging dogs are significant.
Vague Wording
The phrases "preventing unnecessary suffering" and "training in a safe and healthy manner" are open to interpretation. This ambiguity is the core problem. What one person considers "unnecessary suffering" or "safe" might differ from another's view, especially regarding training tools.
Focus on Application , Not Tools
The amendments seem to focus on specific tools (e.g., e-collars, prong collars, choke collars) rather than the application of those tools. Any tool can be misused, including flat collars and harnesses. The issue isn't the tool itself but the knowledge and skill of the person using it.
Impact on Rehabilitation
Tools like slip leads and martingales and ecollars when used correctly by experienced professionals, are essential for managing and rehabilitating dogs with specific behavioral issues, particularly those who are flight risks or pose a danger to others.
Banning these tools could severely limit the ability to effectively address these issues, potentially leading to worse outcomes for the dogs, such as euthanasia.
Unintended Consequences
The wording could also inadvertently impact other training methods that involve any form of pressure or restriction, even if applied humanely. This could have a chilling effect on training practices in general.
Lack of Scientific Basis
There's a lack of robust scientific evidence demonstrating that all uses of these tools inherently cause unnecessary suffering when used by qualified professionals. Much of the debate is based on emotional arguments rather than empirical data. The dog training aides report from the Scottish Animal Welfare Council (paid for by the taxpayer) has not yet been published - this new bill preempts that release.
Potential Solutions & Recommendations
The legislation needs to be rewritten with much more precise and objective language. Instead of focusing on banning specific tools, it should focus on defining acceptable training practices based on scientific evidence and animal welfare principles.
Exemptions for Qualified Professionals
The legislation should include clear exemptions for qualified professionals (e.g., certified behaviorists, veterinary behaviorists) to use these tools when necessary for specific behavioral cases.
Consultation with Experts
It's crucial to consult with experienced and qualified animal behaviorists, veterinarians, and other experts in the field to ensure the legislation is based on sound scientific principles and doesn't have unintended negative consequences for animal welfare.
By focusing on competency, regulation, and evidence-based practices, rather than simply banning tools, the legislation can better protect animal welfare while still allowing professionals to use appropriate methods for challenging cases.
——
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗼
Write to your 8 local MSPs very soon (they are in parliament about this on Thursday) you’ll find who your local ones are here:
https://www.parliament.scot/msps
Remember this is not just about ecollars this is about training methods and what tools trainers, rescue workers and vets can and can’t use. This is a misguided and quick attempt by a young politician to gain points by looking like he cares about puppies. He’s unaware of the bigger consequences of his actions.
