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WELFARE
Welfare of Dogs Both the new dog parent and the person
(Scotland) Bill they’re getting the dog from would then
This Member's Bill, sign a certificate to show that both sides
as introduced, seeks understand the commitment required.
to improve the
Christine Grahame, a Member of the
health and wellbeing of dogs by Scottish Parliament (MSP), introduced
encouraging responsible ownership and
the Welfare of Dogs Bill after years of
providing for the registration of
pushing for changes. The code of
unlicensed litters. practice the government will need to
Getting a dog for the first time can be a produce aims to make people ask these
real learning curve, with all sorts of questions before they get a dog. Is the
things to think about – even if you’ve breed of dog right for the new dog
had plenty of other pets before, or you parent? Will they have time to exercise
grew up with dogs as a child, having a the dog regularly? Can they commit to
dog of your own is different. caring for the dog throughout the pup’s
entire life?
For this reason, politicians in Scotland
are drawing up a code of practice for It’s not a license to have a dog or a
getting a dog with the Welfare of Dogs legally-binding document. The aim,
Bill. rather, is to make people think carefully
about whether they’re able to take on
The Bill, which has been passed, aims to the commitment of a new dog.
ensure that people understand the level
of commitment required before getting a A 28-page code of practice for dog
pet – the Scottish government will parents already exists, and came about
produce a code, comprising a checklist in 2010 as part of wider animal welfare
of questions, asking potential dog reforms. But, as Grahame says, not
parents if they’ve considered whether many dog parents will have read it, and a
they have the time, space, and money to more concise code that needs to be
get a dog. After all, it’s important for a signed up to when buying the animal is
dog to have frequent exercise, access to more likely to make them think about
the best dog food, and lots of love and the commitment they’re making.
affection. Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Bill | Scottish
Parliament Website
info@bedlingtonrescue.co.uk www.bedlingtonrescue.co.uk
