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  4. Hunting with Dogs Bill passes final stage

Hunting with Dogs Bill passes final stage

25th January 2023 | criminal law

The Scottish Government’s Hunting with Dogs Bill has passed its final stage at Holyrood.

After its stage 3 consideration, MSPs voted by 90-30 in favour of the bill, which aims to close loopholes in the 2002 legislation against hunting with dogs that have allowed the practice of illegal hunting to continue. A new two dog limit for all use of dogs in the course of hunting will be introduced, as well as a ban on the practice of trail hunting.

The bill also establishes a new licensing scheme to allow the use of more than two dogs in certain limited circumstances. This is to provide farmers and land managers access to appropriate and humane control measures, where necessary.

Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “This bill represents a significant step forward in protecting Scotland’s wildlife from the cruel and senseless practice of illegal hunting,

“I am pleased that the Parliament has agreed on a new law which will close the door on the illegal chasing and killing of mammals once and for all.

“I’d like to thank everyone who responded to our public consultations and interested groups for their valuable input throughout this process.

“I believe that this new legislation has struck the right balance between ensuring Scotland pursues the highest possible animal welfare standards, while recognising the need for farmers, land managers and environmental organisations to undertake legitimate wildlife management.”

Some MSPs complained that the bill did not go far enough, for example in continuing to allow birds of prey as a method of killing, and in continuing to allow the use of dogs below ground to control wild mammals; the Conservatives opposed the bill on the grounds that the Government had "ignored the views of experts", and that it would mean harm to vulnerable species, and hinder the ability of farmers to protect livestock.

Read the final debate.

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