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Greater legal protections for service animals in Scotland
Finn's Law will make it harder for those who harm service animals to claim they were acting in self-defence.
Animals and Wildlife Bill passes final reading. 

New legal protections for service animals and increased prison sentences for animal cruelty are to be introduced in Scotland.

The move follows the passing of the Animals and Wildlife Bill in Scottish Parliament on Wednesday (17 June) and will see maximum jail sentences for those convicted of animal cruelty increase from six months to five years.

It will also see the introduction of Finn's Law, making it harder for those who harm service animals, such as police dogs and horses, to claim they were acting in self-defence.

Animal welfare enforcement agencies will also receive new powers, enabling them to take animals into their care without the need for a court order.

“This Bill is an important milestone in Scotland’s long tradition of protecting our animals and wildlife,” commented rural affairs minister Mairi Gougeon. “The increased maximum available penalties reflect the seriousness of some of the very cruel crimes seen against domestic and wild animals - although these cases are thankfully rare.”

Welcoming the news, the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) – which has long campaigned for the new law -  described it as 'game-changing' for both animals and the organisation.

“This is a momentous day for animal welfare in Scotland,” said Scottish SPCA chief executive Kirsteen Campbell. “The proposals which will be enshrined in law will deliver wholesale, transformational change for animals nationwide.”

She added: “The inconsistency of sentences handed out to those guilty of animal cruelty has long been a frustration. We are hopeful increased sentencing and unlimited fines will act as a greater deterrent to people in mistreating animals and ensure the punishments befits the crime for the worst offences, such as animal fighting and puppy farming.”

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk