Scottish Animal Welfare Commission: annual report 2020 to 2021

Published Advice

Response to Deer Working Group Report– 3 February 2021

The Deer Working Group was established by Scottish Government in 2017 to provide an independent review of existing statutory and non-statutory arrangements for the management of wild deer in Scotland. The Group prepared a detailed report on The Management of Wild Deer in Scotland, which was presented to the Scottish Government in December 2019.

SAWC reviewed the report from the perspective of deer welfare and prepared this response to highlight specific recommendations of importance for deer welfare, and to suggest future potential research requirements in this area.

Statement on Animal Sentience– 10 February 2021

SAWC released a statement which defined animal sentience as: “the ability to have physical and emotional experiences, which matter to the animal, and which can be positive and negative.”

Report on the Use of Rodent Glue Traps in Scotland– 23 March 2021

SAWC produced this report which considers the animal welfare issues surrounding the use of glue traps to control rodents in Scotland and makes recommendations regarding potential regulation.

Letter to Cabinet Secretary on Ear Cropping – 9 April 2021

SAWC members collectively decided to produce a “rapid response” to the emerging issue of an increasing number of ear-cropped dogs being seen in veterinary practices and in the wider community. The response was in the form of a letter sent to the former Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment.