Animal health and welfare policy includes action to help prevent, plan for and deal with disease, including veterinary surveillance, controls on livestock movement, identification and traceability, animal by-products and the control of imports and exports.
Actions
We:
- ensure Scotland has appropriate contingency plans to deal with any animal disease outbreaks
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are working to improve animal welfare by placing a duty of care on the people responsible
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ensure animal by-products comply with regulations, and act as competent authority in certain circumstances, to protect animal and public health
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control the movement of animals via livestock identification, imports and exports
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carry out a range of animal welfare inspections to help protect consumers interests and maintain high standards of welfare
Background
Animal health and welfare policy, with the exception of the veterinary profession, veterinary medicines and international negotiations, is devolved to Scottish Ministers. We work closely with a range of stakeholders, other UK administrations, regulatory and enforcement authorities to develop evidence based policies.
The Livestock Health and Welfare Strategy: 2025 to 2030 is a five-year plan, tailored to Scotland's needs. It builds on lessons learned from our original Strategy for Animal Health and Welfare in the Livestock Industry (published in 2016) and sets future commitments to protect animal health and welfare, strengthen Scotland’s reputation for high-quality food, support thriving businesses, and reduce emissions intensity.
The accompanying Animal Health and Welfare in the Livestock Industry 2016 to 2024 strategy review outlines the work delivered during the previous strategy period.
The Animal health and welfare framework 2019 to 2020 sets out a risk based approach to the duties carried out by local authorities in Scotland.
Bills and legislation
Animal disease control and welfare is subject to a range of legislation. Relevant law is detailed in the corresponding section.
Contact
Email: animal.health@gov.scot
Telephone: 0300 244 9874
Post:
Scottish Government
Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate
Animal Health and Welfare
P Spur - Saughton House
Broomhouse Drive
Edinburgh
EH11 3XD