21/01/2025
Please read Jessโs post and write to your local MSPโs ๐๐ผ
๐๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐๐ ๐
๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐จ๐ โ๐๐ง๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐โ
There is a new bill going through parliament this week with these amendments to be added into the animal welfare act:
โwhether the acquirer is committed to preventing unnecessary suffering and ensuring the welfare of the dog (for example, by not using any device which applies an electric current to the dog's skin)โ
โwhether the acquirer is committed to training the dog in a safe and healthy manner which ensures the welfare of the dogโ
โwhether the acquirer is committed to preventing unnecessary suffering and ensuring the welfare of the dog (for example, by not using prong or choke collars) โ
๐ง๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐ต๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐น๐ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ:
The legal wording could easily be construed in such a way to cover martingales and slip leads; the tighten function is exactly what some dogs need who are a flight risk or a risk to others. It means that we then canโt then rehabilitate these dogs because we canโt use tools to keep them safe - the direct implications for rehabilitating challenging dogs are significant.
Vague Wording
The phrases "preventing unnecessary suffering" and "training in a safe and healthy manner" are open to interpretation. This ambiguity is the core problem. What one person considers "unnecessary suffering" or "safe" might differ from another's view, especially regarding training tools.
Focus on Application , Not Tools
The amendments seem to focus on specific tools (e.g., e-collars, prong collars, choke collars) rather than the application of those tools. Any tool can be misused, including flat collars and harnesses. The issue isn't the tool itself but the knowledge and skill of the person using it.
Impact on Rehabilitation
Tools like slip leads and martingales and ecollars when used correctly by experienced professionals, are essential for managing and rehabilitating dogs with specific behavioral issues, particularly those who are flight risks or pose a danger to others.
Banning these tools could severely limit the ability to effectively address these issues, potentially leading to worse outcomes for the dogs, such as euthanasia.
Unintended Consequences
The wording could also inadvertently impact other training methods that involve any form of pressure or restriction, even if applied humanely. This could have a chilling effect on training practices in general.
Lack of Scientific Basis
There's a lack of robust scientific evidence demonstrating that all uses of these tools inherently cause unnecessary suffering when used by qualified professionals. Much of the debate is based on emotional arguments rather than empirical data. The dog training aides report from the Scottish Animal Welfare Council (paid for by the taxpayer) has not yet been published - this new bill preempts that release.
Potential Solutions & Recommendations
The legislation needs to be rewritten with much more precise and objective language. Instead of focusing on banning specific tools, it should focus on defining acceptable training practices based on scientific evidence and animal welfare principles.
Exemptions for Qualified Professionals
The legislation should include clear exemptions for qualified professionals (e.g., certified behaviorists, veterinary behaviorists) to use these tools when necessary for specific behavioral cases.
Consultation with Experts
It's crucial to consult with experienced and qualified animal behaviorists, veterinarians, and other experts in the field to ensure the legislation is based on sound scientific principles and doesn't have unintended negative consequences for animal welfare.
By focusing on competency, regulation, and evidence-based practices, rather than simply banning tools, the legislation can better protect animal welfare while still allowing professionals to use appropriate methods for challenging cases.
โโ
๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ผ
Write to your 8 local MSPs very soon (they are in parliament about this on Thursday) youโll find who your local ones are here:
https://www.parliament.scot/msps
Remember this is not just about ecollars this is about training methods and what tools trainers, rescue workers and vets can and canโt use. This is a misguided and quick attempt by a young politician to gain points by looking like he cares about puppies. Heโs unaware of the bigger consequences of his actions.
