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Scotland doubles dog fouling fines
owner walking dog
The fine for dogs owners who fail to pick up after their pets has doubled to £80 in Scotland.

Consultation reveals public support for tougher penalties
 
The fine for dogs owners who fail to pick up after their pets has doubled to £80 in Scotland. The government increased the fixed penalty to bring it in line with the fine for littering.

In a recent public consultation on responsible dog ownership, the majority of respondents said they would support an increase in the fine.

The new rule comes into effect on 1 April, 2016. The government is also considering a more robust system for collecting unpaid penalties.

"Dog fouling is not only unpleasant, but also can pose potentially significant risks to health, particularly for children, and we’re very clear that dog owners who do not clear up after their dogs are breaking the law," said Paul Wheelhouse, Scotland's minister for community safety and legal affairs.

“We believe the increased penalty will act as a greater deterrent for people who do not take responsibility for their pets and clean up after them."

According to the Scottish Household Surveys of 2013 and 2014, nearly a third of people encounter animal nuisance (fouling or noise).

The raised penalty has been welcomed by Keep Scotland Beautiful as a "positive step in the right direction", but its chief executive Derek Robertson said increasing the fines is only part of the solution. It is heading up a national stakeholder group to develop an action plan.

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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.