A new law in Scotland is set to create a code of practice for dog ownership, aimed at encouraging more responsible decisions when acquiring a pet. The Welfare of Dogs Bill, passed by MSPs, aims to ensure potential dog owners understand the full commitment required before bringing a dog into their lives.
A Checklist for Dog Owners
Under the new legislation, the Scottish government will be tasked with creating a code of practice within 12 months. This code will feature a checklist of questions that future dog owners must consider before purchasing or adopting a pet. The goal is to ensure individuals are aware of the time, space, and financial commitments that come with owning a dog.
The checklist will include questions such as:
- Is the breed suitable for my living situation?
- Do I have the time to exercise the dog regularly?
- Can I afford the ongoing costs of pet care?
- Am I able to care for the dog for its entire life?
Once these questions are considered, both the prospective dog owner and the person selling or giving away the dog will sign a certificate, confirming that both parties are aware of the responsibilities involved. However, this certificate is not legally binding, but rather a tool to ensure that people reflect on the commitments before adopting a dog.
The Inspiration Behind the Bill
Christine Grahame MSP, who introduced the Welfare of Dogs Bill, has been advocating for these changes for over seven years. She was inspired by her work with the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, where she regularly visits and has her name on the wall in recognition of her support.
The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has recently seen an increase in stray dogs, highlighting the issues that can arise when people take on pets without fully considering the responsibilities involved. Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, the home’s chief executive, stressed the importance of understanding that owning a dog is not a quick decision and involves significant long-term commitment.
A Step Toward Responsible Ownership
The new law also aims to tackle the increasing issue of stray and abandoned dogs. By creating a code of practice that prospective dog owners must review and sign, it seeks to reduce the number of impulsive decisions that lead to pets being abandoned or surrendered to shelters.
While the law will not require a dog ownership license, the intention is clear: to promote responsible pet ownership and ensure that individuals who decide to adopt a dog are fully prepared for the commitment it requires.
Controversial Proposals and Future Discussions
Initially, the bill also included plans to establish a Scotland-wide database for registering all dogs bred in unlicensed litters. However, this proposal was dropped after the government expressed concerns over its potential effectiveness. Additionally, a proposal to ban shock collars was debated but was not included in the final version of the bill. The government has pledged to revisit the issue after further independent reviews of the devices are conducted later this year.
