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Tougher fox-hunting laws needed in Scotland, review finds
fox
The report concluded that greater consistency and clarity is needed in the legislation, and hunts should be made more transparent and accountable.
Legislation 'unduly complicates' prosecutions
 
Fox hunting laws in Scotland should be tightened up and clarified, a review has found.

The review, led by Lord Bonomy, aimed to find out if the legislation is adequately protecting wild mammals, whilst allowing effective and humane control where necessary.

A report published on Monday (21 November) concluded that there is reason to suspect illegal hunts are still taking place. In addition, aspects of the legislation unduly complicate the detection, investigation and prosecution of alleged offences.

Lord Bonomy made a series of recommendations:
  • Remove inconsistencies and inappropriate or unnecessary expressions in the legislation
  • Appoint part-time, independent hunt monitors to randomly observe hunts using packs of hounds
  • Develop a Code of Practice for hunt conduct, including a requirement to notify police in advance of a hunt, identities of those responsible for its activities, number of hounds, identities of guns, and provisions for conduct. This should be recorded in a log or register and form the basis of an annual report by Police Scotland
  • Amend section 1, either to make it an offence to 'intentionally or recklessly' hunt a wild mammal with a dog; or to make a person who 'uses, or causes or permits, a dog to hunt' a wild mammal guilty of an offence
  • Consider making it an offence for landowners to permit hunts to carry out illegal activities on their land
  • Extend the time limit for bringing prosecutions

Receiving the report, Scottish environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: "The Scottish Government recognised concerns about whether the legislation on fox-hunting is working properly – that is why we asked Lord Bonomy to carry out this detailed work.

"Back in 2002, Scotland led the way in addressing animal welfare concerns and we remain committed to ensuring the highest levels of welfare for our wild animals."

The government will now consider the findings and plans to respond in 2017.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.