THE public have been urged to share their views on proposals to introduce licensing for animal businesses such as dog walkers, groomers and canine fertility services.
The Scottish Government says its proposed scheme will improve welfare standards in animal care services.
A consultation that launched on Tuesday seeks views on the plans, which would also introduce licences for horse riding establishments and pet accommodation services.
READ MORE: Scottish Greens to speak at anti-monarchy rally – enraging Tories
It is also calling for opinions on greyhound racing, as the future of the sport is being considered by a Holyrood committee.
Gillian Martin, environment minister (pictured below), said: “Scotland is a nation of pet lovers.
“Fortunately, the majority of people working in the animal care sector are incredibly passionate about caring for animals and already operate to high standards of animal welfare.
“But sadly there are still some businesses which fall short when it comes to putting animal welfare first.
“With greater regulation of the sector, we can give more confidence to people that are interacting and buying services from animal care service providers that these businesses are operating to the highest possible welfare standards.
“However, we must also strike a balance with any proposed regulation – to ensure those already operating to a high standard aren’t unduly affected.
“That is why we are consulting and I encourage organisations, businesses and the public to make their views known.”
The consultation sets out that if a licensing scheme is brought in, a fee could be charged for the application as well as when the licence is granted.
READ MORE: DWP guidance on benefits assessments withdrawn over N-word slur
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said some canine fertility clinics are run by untrained people who have caused harm to dogs.
He said: “At the moment, there are many animal-related vocations that are completely unregulated.
“We have sadly encountered cases where suffering has been caused in these industries due to negligence or lack of knowledge.
“Licensing these activities will help to safeguard animals and people when using these services.”
Mark Ruskell, Scottish Greens MSP, has been at the forefront of the campaign to phase out greyhound racing.
Figures from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain show that hundreds of dogs die in the UK each year as a result of their participation in the dangerous sport.
Currently, Scotland only has one active greyhound racing course, the Thornton Greyhound Stadium, in the Mid Scotland and Fife region Ruskell represents.
“I am glad that the Scottish Government is looking at the conditions of greyhound racing,” he said.
READ MORE: Liz Truss paid thousands for speeches after resigning as prime minister
"It is testament to the vital work done by campaigners to put the issue firmly on the agenda.
“This cruel gambling-led industry has been allowed to continue for too long. I hope that as many people as possible take the time to fill in the consultation and join the call for greyhound racing to be a thing of the past.
“Racing has a terrible impact on the dogs that are forced to take part. There can be no justification for making dogs risk injury or death by running round a track at top speed.
“We must always put paws over profit and dog safety over the interests of gambling companies. “There is no place for greyhound racing in a modern and progressive Scotland.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here