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Scotland 'will not pursue compulsory muzzling'
dog muzzled
The majority of respondents were in favour of compulsory microchipping.
Government to explore the possibility of mandatory microchipping

The Scottish Government will not pursue a policy of compulsory dog muzzling in public places, after a consultation proved the majority of people to be against it.

Full responses to the consultation were published on Friday (October 31). The aim was to gauge the public's view of the best ways to improve public safety in Scotland through responsible dog ownership measures.

Of those who responded, 97 per cent were not in favour of compulsory dog muzzling.

When the consultation launched last year, the BVA's president at the time, Robin Hargreaves, said the organisation had "serious reservations" about the welfare issues associated with compulsory muzzling of all dogs, or dogs of specific breeds.

Commenting on the results of the consultation, Scotland's justice minister Kenny MacAskill, said the government will not pursue a policy of mandatory muzzling.

"It was a radical proposal but it was important that communities across Scotland had the chance to give their views on every option available.

"It is clear from the responses that communities right across Scotland do not think this is a measure that will encourage responsible ownership."

The majority of respondents did, however, support the introduction of a compulsory microchipping scheme, as has been introduced elsewhere in the country, and the government is now considering the practicalities of introducing this.

Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead, said: "The responses to questions clearly show an overwhelming public appetite for some sort of compulsory microchipping scheme.

"This is really positive however it is only right that we fully explore the practical aspects of this, including costs, before we make a definitive decision and my officials will continue to work on this with a view to announcing a decision in the near future."

Microchipping of all dogs will become compulsory in England in April 2016 and March 2015 in Wales. The procedure was previously made compulsory in Ireland.

The consultation responses can be found on the Scottish Government's website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/10/4357

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.