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Scotland considers licensing dog groomers
Dog grooming is currently unregulated in Scotland.
Proposal is part of plan to better regulate animal care services.

The Scottish government is consulting on proposals to introduce new licensing regulations in Scotland for dog groomers to improve animal welfare standards in the sector.

Dog grooming is currently unregulated in Scotland and no qualifications are required to become a dog groomer, although there are organisations which offer formal training.

Under the new laws, individuals applying for a licence would be subject to appropriate checks and need to be suitably experienced and /or qualified. Once working, they would have to operate to defined statutory standards and would be subject to periodic inspections.

Those with a licence would be listed on a publicly available register, helping pet owners to choose a dog groomer who will look after the welfare of their pet.

The proposed regulations would also apply to dog walking businesses, canine fertility services, pet accommodation services, riding establishments and businesses involved in other equine activities.

The consultation will also seek feedback on proposals to license greyhound racing in Scotland.

Environment minister Gillian Martin said: “Scotland is a nation of pet lovers. Fortunately, the majority of people working in the animal care sector are incredibly passionate about caring for animals and already operate to high standards of animal welfare. But sadly there are still some businesses which fall short when it comes to putting animal welfare first.

"With greater regulation of the sector, we can give more confidence to people that are interacting and buying services from animal care service providers that these businesses are operating to the highest possible welfare standards.

“However, we must also strike a balance with any proposed regulation - to ensure those already operating to a high standard aren’t unduly affected. That is why we are consulting and I encourage organisations, businesses and the public to make their views known.”

The proposals have been welcomed by animal welfare charities.

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “At the moment, there are many animal-related vocations that are completely unregulated. We have sadly encountered cases where suffering has been caused in these industries due to negligence or lack of knowledge. Licensing these activities will help to safeguard animals and people when using these services.”

Anyone wishing to respond to the consultation, which closes on 26 September 2023, can do so online.

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.