Animal Health Legislation Review

South of Scotland SNP MSP Joan McAlpine is encouraging farmers in Dumfries and Galloway to have their say on animal health legislation for Livestock.

Announced as part of the Programme for Government, a consultation is now underway on proposals to introduce fixed penalty notices for certain animal health offences, similar to those which are proposed for animal welfare offences. 

At the same time, views are also being sought on how the Animal Health Act 1981 might be strengthened, updated and modernised, including on whether current powers are sufficient to continue preventing serious diseases in livestock.

Joan McAlpine MSP said:

“The Scottish government is committed to the highest welfare standards for all animals, and in recent years has been successful at preventing serious diseases affecting our livestock in large numbers – for this to continue, we need to make sure that the right approach is in place.

“The Animal Health Act is now almost 40 years old, and a review would help to keep Scotland’s animal welfare legislation at the cutting edge of best practice, and especially to ensure that we can continue to keep pace with EU standards and regulations.

“I would encourage all invested parties to have their say as part of this consultation in order to make sure that our approach to animal welfare is sustainable, fair, and takes into account the best interests of Livestock in Scotland’s rural areas like Dumfries and Galloway.”