Dog welfare manifesto launches ahead of Scottish elections
The manifesto highlights the need for a ban on electronic training device.
A package of policy measures for dog welfare is to be launched ahead of the 2016 Scottish Parliament election in May.
Produced by the Kennel Club and Scottish Kennel Club, the ‘A Dog’s Life’ manifesto follows the success of the first ever dog-specific manifesto in the lead-up to the 2015 UK General Election.
It calls for the Scottish Government to recognise the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme and to review regulations on dog breeders.
It also highlights the need for a ban on electronic training devices and to further develop the law on tail docking.
The manifesto will launch at Scottish Parliament on Thursday, 25 February. Representatives from the Kennel Club and Scottish Kennel Club will join SMPs Richard Lochhead, Claudia Beamish and Sir Jamie McGrigor.
“The Kennel Club and Scottish Kennel Club are very much looking forward to our guest speakers highlighting their respective parties’ manifesto pledges relating to the welfare of dogs,” said Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko.
“Once again our manifesto focuses on our vision for legislative change which would do more to protect dogs at every stage of life; from breeding and acquisition to dog training, responsible dog ownership and everyday living.”
Among other welfare measures, the manifesto calls for the Scottish Government to review the use of dogs as a second species for toxicity testing in human drug development.
It also urges the Home Office to investigate all serious and fatal dog bite incidents using the services of a suitable behaviourist.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
