Friday 7 November 2014

TAIL DOCKING: FIGHTING FOR WELFARE AND COMMON SENSE


The Scottish Gamekeepers Association has been at the forefront of moves in 2014 to ensure Scottish Government keeps faith with its promise to review the legislation on tail docking in respect of working dogs, should there be evidence to do so.
Government-commissioned research from Glasgow University vets, published this year, provided the most conclusive evidence available of the serious welfare implications of continuing with the current legal arrangements, with over 1 in 2 Spaniels suffering one or more tail injury in the single studied season alone.
Since then, the SGA has responded in full to the official consultation, plus a further call for views on how any potential legislative change might be made to work in Scotland.
With the shooting season now upon us, and, while we wait for the next steps, the SGA would like members, supporters or anyone who works dogs to inform Richard Lochhead MSP's office if their dogs suffer a tail injury. The purpose is to inform and to ensure policy-makers are aware that this is not a problem that will go away but deserves appropriate, common sense action.

Please email Richard Lochhead MSP with your name, address and the nature/circumstances of the injury suffered by your working dog. Date the incident and give a location and any other information you deem necessary. Photographs are also a good record, if possible.

Email address: Cabinetsecretaryforruralaffairsandtheenvironment@scotland.gsi.gov.uk