Animal health and welfare
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American Foulbrood found in Perthshire beehive
Beekeepers within 3km of affected hive encouraged to increase biosecurity.
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Animal health: movement restrictions
Details around the strict controls around the movement of animals to prevent disease.
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Avian influenza outbreak exercise: evaluation
Report setting out lessons identified following Exercise Hazel, a test of Scotland’s plans for controlling an avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak.
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Tuberculosis (Scotland) Order 2023 changes: letter from the Chief Veterinary Officer
Letter from the Chief Veterinary Officer, Sheila Voas, to cattle keepers in Scotland regarding changes to the Tuberculosis (Scotland) Order 2023 and a reminder about reporting abortions in cattle for Brucellosis surveillance.
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Animal Health Act 1981: expenditure and prosecutions - 2022
This statutory return is collated and laid before the Scottish Parliament in accordance with Section 80 of the Animal Health Act 1981. The report covers expenditure incurred and prosecutions taken under the Animal Health Act 1981, and incidences of disease in imported animals for the year 2022.
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Avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks
Latest situation including current outbreaks and measures in place to prevent the spread of the disease.
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African swine fever: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Avian influenza (bird flu): how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of avian influenza.
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Protections for Scotland’s cattle industry
Legislation strengthened to prevent the spread of infection.
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Dog training - use of handheld remote-controlled training devices (e-collars): report
Report on the use of handheld remote-controlled training devices (e-collars) in dog training by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission
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Sheep scab notifications
Notifications of suspected or confirmed cases of sheep scab in Scotland mapped by region.
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Bovine TB
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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National Islands Plan Annual Report 2022
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2022 reporting year.
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Welfare of greyhounds used for racing: report
Report on the welfare of greyhounds used for racing in Scotland by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission.
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Science of salmon stocking: report
The Science of Stocking report "scientific considerations in stocking policy development for river managers Scottish marine and freshwater science Vol 14 No 3" brings together the science behind the various considerations needed to be taken prior to and following stocking, with a view to aiding design of salmon management strategies that balance risks and benefits within a broad policy framework.
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Rural Affairs Secretary to address farmers’ union
New payment scheme to support animal health and welfare launched.
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Hunting with Dogs Bill passed
Tighter laws to protect Scotland’s wildlife.
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Scottish Animal Welfare Commission: annual report 2021 to 2022
Annual report of the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) showing activity for the year 2021 to 2022.
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Economic condition of crofting: 2019 to 2022
This is a report to the Scottish Parliament as outlined in the terms of section 51 of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, reflecting the economic condition of crofting and the measures taken by the Scottish Ministers, the Crofting Commission and others to support crofting during 2019 to 2022.
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Farm salmon escape event: levels of farm/wild hybridisation
Results of a genetic survey to examine levels of farm/wild hybrid salmon in rivers local to a large-scale farm escape in in south west Scotland and north east England. This occurred in 2020 when MOWI’s Carradale North fish farm shifted position after its seabed anchors became dislodged during Storm Ellen.
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Beaver welfare: Scottish Animal Welfare Commission report
A report on the welfare of beavers in Scotland by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission.
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Tuberculosis (Scotland) Amendment Order 2022: business and regulatory impact assessment
A business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) for the Tuberculosis (Scotland) Amendment Order 2022.
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Animal health and welfare framework: 2020 to 2022
This framework provides a risk based approach to animal health and welfare duties carried out by local authorities.
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Bovine tuberculosis: consultation analysis
Summary analysis of responses to a consultation on specific proposals relating to bovine tuberculosis, including diagnostic testing, cattle movements, isolation requirements and compensation for unclean cattle.
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Official veterinarians training support
Support for official veterinarians (OVs) undertaking statutory work on behalf of Scottish ministers.
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Animal welfare - Scottish Government activity: Scottish Animal Welfare Commission review
Review of Scottish Government activity affecting the welfare of animals, as sentient beings, by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC).
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Wildlife management: consultation
We are consulting on proposals relating to: introducing a licensing scheme for grouse shooting; increased regulation for muirburn (the burning of vegetation to maintain moorland); banning the use of glue traps; and increased regulation of other wildlife traps.
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Protecting Scotland’s wildlife
Consultation on proposals for new Wildlife Management Bill.
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Avian Influenza Prevention Zone
Zone declared in Scotland and across Great Britain
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Tropilaelaps: how to spot and report the pest
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this pest.
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Small hive beetle: how to spot and report the pest
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this pest.
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Foulbrood: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Delivering our vision for Scottish agriculture - proposals for a new Agriculture Bill: consultation
This consultation on a new Agriculture Bill will underpin Scottish agricultural policy for generations to come. Responses to this consultation will assist in delivering our Vision for Agriculture.
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Agricultural transition in Scotland - first steps towards our national policy: consultation analysis
Analysis of the responses received to the Agricultural Transition in Scotland consultation. The consultation was carried out between August 2021 and November 2021.
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Exotic animal disease contingency framework plan: August 2022
Version seven of our contingency framework plan covering exotic notifiable diseases of livestock.
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Exotic animal diseases communications strategy: August 2022
This communications strategy is for use in the event of a disease outbreak, whether a major outbreak with widespread disease, or a more limited incident.
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Exotic notifiable animal diseases contingency plans - Scottish Regional Resilience Partnerships' framework: August 2022
Information on how and when operational partners should respond to a suspect or confirmed exotic notifiable animal disease outbreak.
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Animal imports and exports: guidance
This guidance applies only to import and export of farm animals and domesticated animals.
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Biosecurity practices for animal health: guidance
Biosecurity is a set of management practices that collectively reduce the potential for the introduction or spread of animal disease-causing organisms onto and between farms.
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The Honey Bee Health Strategy 2022 - 2032
The main aim of the strategy is “Working in partnership to achieve a healthy and sustainable population of honey bees in Scotland”.
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American Foulbrood found in Perthshire bee hive
Beekepers within 3km of affected hive encouraged to increase biosecurity
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Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE): how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Bovine Tuberculosis - proposals to amend the Tuberculosis (Scotland) Order 2007: consultation
We are gathering views on specific proposals relating to bovine tuberculosis, including diagnostic testing, cattle movements, isolation requirements and unclean cattle.
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Animal Health Act 1981: expenditure and prosecutions – 2021
This statutory return is collated and laid before the Scottish Parliament in accordance with Section 80 of the Animal Health Act 1981. The report covers expenditure incurred and prosecutions taken under the Animal Health Act 1981, and incidences of disease in imported animals for the year 2021.
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Bird keepers urged to maintain scrupulous biosecurity standards as housing measures set to be lifted
Stringent standards of biosecurity remain essential as the risk of avian influenza continues.
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Action to improve animal welfare
Plans to outlaw glue traps in Scotland.
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Scotland’s detector dogs
Canines on the frontline to help stop the importation of exotic animal diseases.
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New case of Avian Influenza
Disease confirmed in poultry in Scotland.
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New housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds against avian flu
Bird keepers should review biosecurity and house birds.
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Protecting Scotland’s beaver population
New measures to expand numbers and restore biodiversity.
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Livestock identification and traceability: guidance
How we identify animals and how they are tracked when they are moved.
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Poultry keepers – Act now to reduce your risk from bird flu this winter
Poultry keepers are being urged to prepare for avian flu and reduce the risk of disease in their birds over the winter.
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Pig Producers’ Fund
Applications now open for hardship support scheme.
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Schmallenberg: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Lifting the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone
Poultry keepers advised to remain vigilant as heightened biosecurity measures lifted
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Bird gatherings: guidance
Guidance for organisers of bird gatherings in Scotland.
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Scottish Animal Welfare Commission: report on the use of rodent glue traps in Scotland
Report on the use of rodent glue traps in Scotland.
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Avian Influenza: Housing measures set to be lifted on 31 March
Biosecurity measures remain in force in Scotland, England and Wales to protect flocks from avian influenza.
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Avian influenza update
Limiting the spread of the disease
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Avian Influenza Case
Second case of disease confirmed in flock of kept gamebirds in Scotland.
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£2.5 million emergency funding for zoos and aquariums
Support to protect animal welfare and conservation work.
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Criminal law - dealing with dangerous dogs: consultation
Discussion paper seeking views on steps that might be taken to improve the way in which the criminal law may deal with dog owners where their dogs act in a dangerous way.
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Greater protection for iconic Scottish mountain hares
New licensing regime to take effect from March.
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Further protection for animals
New rules for breeding of puppies, kittens and rabbits.
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Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010: guidance - updated
Guidance is provided in accordance with the duty upon the Scottish Ministers under section 12(1) of the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 to issue guidance to local authorities in relation to the exercise of their functions and the functions of authorised officers under the 2010 Act.
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Avian Influenza update
Limiting the spread of the disease.
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Avian Influenza case
Disease confirmed in birds in Scotland.
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Tougher penalties for animal and wildlife crime
Animals and Wildlife Act comes in to force in Scotland.
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Farm Animal Welfare Committee's opinion on the welfare of animals during transport: consultation
This consultation is seeking views on the recommendations made by the Farm Animal Welfare Committee in their opinion on the welfare of animals during transport.
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New housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds against avian flu
Bird keepers should review biosecurity and house birds.
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Werritty Report response
Additional measures to protect birds of prey.
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Avian influenza protection measures
Avian Influenza Prevention Zone declared in response to cases of highly pathogenic H5N8 in GB and Europe.
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European foulbrood control plan: 2020
Sets out our strategy for the control of EFB on infected beekeeping businesses within the notional infection zone.
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Animal welfare prosecutions reported by the Scottish SPCA: 2011-2019
Findings of analysis of animal welfare case data collected by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
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Welfare of laying hens and pullets: guidance
Guidance about the needs of laying hens and pullets and how to meet these needs in accordance with good practice.
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Horse passports: guidance for owners, keepers, veterinarians and local authorities 2020
This guidance is designed to assist in understanding the requirements for horse passports and specifically the duties/roles each of horse owners/keepers, veterinarians and Scottish local authorities in ensuring a horse is correctly identified throughout its lifetime.
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Support for zoos
Package of measures available.
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Enhanced protection for animals and wildlife
Increased animal cruelty penalties and new legal protections for service animals to be introduced.
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Bee disease confirmed in Perthshire
American Foulbrood found near Blairgowrie.
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Mobile abattoirs - viability and sustainability: report
The findings of a study carried out to determine whether or not mobile slaughter units (MSUs) would be viable in Scotland.
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Amendments to the Animal Health Act 1981: consultation analysis
An analysis of responses to the Scottish Government’s consultation on amendments to the Animal Health Act 1981.
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Protecting animals and wildlife
Animal welfare bill to be debated.
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Scottish Animal Welfare Commission appointed
New advisory body on animal welfare.
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Equine viral encephalomyelitis: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Equine viral arteritis: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Epizootic lymphangitis: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Dourine: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Contagious equine metritis: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Equine infectious anaemia: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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African horse sickness: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Swine influenza: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Field delivery of animal health services in Scotland: review
Review examining the strengths and weaknesses of the field delivery of animal health and welfare services in Scotland.
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New beef sector climate group
Moving to a low-carbon future.
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Veterinary profession's value to Scotland: preliminary economic assessment
A preliminary economic assessment of the veterinary profession’s value to Scotland.
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Eradicating BVD: estimating the savings to farmers
Research paper illustrating the financial savings at a farm and sector level of eliminating Bovine Viral Diarrhoea.
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Sheep attacks and harassment: research
Findings from survey research on sheep worrying and wildlife attacks on sheep.
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Attacks on sheep by dogs and wildlife: research findings
Research findings from survey research on attacks on sheep by dogs and wildlife.
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Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD)
Advice on the requirements of Scotland’s BVD eradication scheme and details of the screening programme.
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Animal welfare bill: data protection impact assessment
Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill DPIA.
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Animal Welfare Bill: BRIA
Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA).
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Animal welfare bill: fairer Scotland assessment
Animals and Wildlife (Penalties Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill FSA.
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Animal welfare bill: children's rights and wellbeing assessment
Animals and Wildlife (Penalties Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill CRWIA.
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Animal welfare bill: strategic environment assessment
Animals and Wildlife (Penalties Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill SEA.
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Animal welfare bill: equality impact assessment
Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill EQIA.
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Majority of Scots want tougher control on fireworks
Public concerns over animal welfare highlighted.
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Amendments to the Animal Health Act 1981: consultation
We are seeking views to strengthen animal health legislation to allow for more effective and proportionate enforcement provisions.
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Animal Welfare Bill published
Modernising enforcement penalties.
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Animal Welfare Commission
New body to protect animals.
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Animal Welfare Bill will protect service animals
Minister meets Finn the police dog.
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Bee disease confirmed in Perthshire
American Foulbrood found near Pitlochry.
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Wildlife crime penalties: consultation
We are seeking views on strengthening wildlife legislation by increasing the maximum available penalties.
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Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006: analysis of consultation responses
Summary of responses to our consultation on proposals to increase maximum penalties, speed up process for making permanent arrangements for seized animals and giving power for fixed penalty notices.
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Animal health: biosecurity posters for event organisers
Posters to encourage event visitors to use disinfectant mats and to wash their hands or use sanitisers.
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Distillery by-products, livestock feed and bio-energy use: report
We commissioned this report in response to concerns by livestock farmers about the impact of anaerobic digestion and bio-energy on the availability of distillery by-product for use as livestock feed in Scotland.
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Bee disease confirmed in Perthshire
American Foulbrood found near Blairgowrie.
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Animal health and welfare framework 2019 to 2020
This framework provides a risk based approach to animal health and welfare duties carried out by local authorities.
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Bee disease confirmed in West Lothian
European Foulbrood (EFB) detected in West Lothian colony.
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Licensing of dog, cat and rabbit breeding activities: consultation responses
Summary of responses to our consultation on proposals to introduce new regulations for the licensing of dog, cat and rabbit breeding activities in Scotland.
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Welfare of meat chickens and meat breeding chickens: guidance
Detailed information about the needs of meat chickens and meat breeding chickens and how to meet these needs in accordance with good practice.
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Fireworks in Scotland consultation: technical annex
More detail about the current legislation and regulations on the sale and use of fireworks in Scotland.
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Fireworks in Scotland: consultation
We are seeking your views on the use and regulation of fireworks in Scotland.
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Improvements to animal welfare
Proposals to increase sentencing for animal cruelty.
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Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006: consultation on proposed amendments
We are seeking views on strengthening animal welfare legislation by increasing the maximum available penalties, introducing fixed penalty notices, and making it easier for approved bodies to quickly make the best arrangements for seized animals.
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New legislation on fox hunting
Limitations on dog numbers to be introduced.
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Animal slaughter: regulations
Information about the various regulations that govern animal slaughter.
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Compulsory closed-circuit TV recording at abattoirs consultation: summary of responses
Analysis of responses to our public consultation on introducing compulsory CCTV recording in Scottish abattoirs.
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Animal welfare improved
Mandatory CCTV in abattoirs.
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Bird gatherings licence: November 2018
Bird gatherings are currently permitted in Scotland under the general licence. The organiser of the gathering is responsible for ensuring that the conditions of the general licence are complied with, including strict biosecurity requirements.
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West Nile virus: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Teschen disease: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Rift Valley fever: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Porcine epidemic diarrhoea: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Glanders and farcy: how to spot and report the diseases
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of these infectious diseases
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Epizootic haemorrhagic disease: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Enzootic bovine leukosis: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Contagious agalactia: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Classical swine fever: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Vesicular stomatitis: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Swine vesicular disease: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Sheep and goat pox: how to spot and report the diseases
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of these infectious diseases.
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Rinderpest: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Paramyxovirus infection: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Newcastle disease: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Lumpy skin disease: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Goat plague: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Chronic wasting disease: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Scrapie: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Sheep scab: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Rabies: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Foot and mouth disease: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Contagious bovine pleuro-pneumonia: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Bluetongue: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Anthrax: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE): feed controls
There are specific rules to prevent the spread of BSE and other TSEs through the use of animal by-products in animal feed.
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Warble fly: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Johne's disease: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Brucellosis: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Aujeszky’s disease: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Dog training aids: guidance
Guidance on training methods and training aids for dogs, with particular focus on the welfare issues that may arise from the use of aversive methods including e-collars.
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Contagious epididymitis: how to spot and report the disease
Advice on what to do if you suspect there is an outbreak of this infectious disease.
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Licensing of dog, cat and rabbit breeding activities: consultation
Seeks views on proposals to introduce new regulations for the licensing of dog, cat and rabbit breeding activities in Scotland.
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Introduction of compulsory closed-circuit TV recording at abattoirs: consultation
Public consultation from 28 March to 20 June 2018 seeking views on the introduction of compulsory CCTV in all areas of slaughterhouses where live animals are present.
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Animal by-products: disposal guidance
Strict regulations designed to prevent harm to people, animals and the environment.
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Commercial animal transport: guidance
Guidance on the welfare of commercial animals in transport.
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Microchipping of dogs: guidance for local authorities
This information is mainly aimed at local authorities and other delivery partners.
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Pet animal transport: guidance
Guidance for owners and carriers on the welfare of pet animals in transit.
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Biosecurity practices for animal health: guidance for public sector staff
Management practices that collectively reduce the potential for the introduction or spread of animal disease-causing organisms onto and between farms.
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Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006: guidance
The Government has prepared notes to aid understanding by providing general guidance on the content of the Act and where appropriate, to give additional notes on its general and specific provisions. They do not form part of the Act and have not been endorsed by Parliament.
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