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Dog welfare manifesto launches ahead of Scottish elections
Dog with shcock collar
The manifesto highlights the need for a ban on electronic training device. 
Calls for Scottish Government to review dog breeding regulations

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. 

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
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NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.