18/03/2009

New puppy welfare regulations welcomed

New regulations aimed at improving the welfare of puppies traded and transported throughout Scotland has been welcomed by SNP MSP Christine Grahame. Ms Grahame, who also Convenes the Cross Party Group on Animal Welfare and who previously proposed her own legislation on improving the welfare of puppies, said the new regulations would now close the loophole that allowed disreputable dealers to trade in puppies without any regard to the welfare of the animals. Ms Grahame said:

“This is a very positive step that has been approved by the Parliament today (Wednesday) and will make a very significant impact to the welfare of puppies, especially those transported to Scotland, most notably from the Republic of Ireland.

“The new regulations will not affect bona fide breeders, pet shops, animal sanctuaries or ordinary pet owners but will target those rogue traders who have a track record in transporting and selling puppies by often horrendously cruel methods.

“The new regulations require traders to be registered and they will also be subject to proper inspection. They will require to vaccinate the puppies they have to reduce the risk of disease and keep animals separately.

“I also intend to write to Tony Killeen TD, the Irish Minister for Agriculture, whose Department is responsible for animal welfare issues to see if there are other ways authorities in Scotland and Ireland can work more closely together to tackle this problem and ensure puppies are transported and cared for properly.”

SNP It’s time.....