NSA SCOTLAND GIVES EVIDENCE AT LIVESTOCK WORRYING BILL
23rd September 2020
On Wednesday NSA Scotland Chair Jen Craig met with Scottish Government's Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee to provide evidence on Emma Harper MSP’s Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill.
The same meeting was attended by Charlie Adam, Vice President, NFU Scotland, Stephen Young, Head of Policy, Scottish Land & Estates and Yvonne White, Chair of the Scottish Crofting Federation. NSA Scottish Region has welcomed the proposed legislation which aims to encourage more responsible dog ownership through the enforcement of stronger penalties.
Jen comments: “Stakeholder campaigns have been working well up until now to raise the profile of dog attacks on livestock. Emma Harper’s Bill is a testament to the hard work and devastating realities we all face on a daily basis. We need to continue collaborating on this issue to ensure we can do everything necessary to lower the occurrence of dog attacks and educate all on the responsibilities that come with being a dog owner in the countryside. I must thank the REC Committee for their invitation to provide evidence on this extremely important matter.”
Witnesses were asked many questions on the Bill which varied from the scale, nature and most common occurrence of dog attacks to the identification of who would be best suited for farmers and crofters to turn to in the event of attacks taking place. Jen confidently answered each question in turn whereby she was clear and concise to the matter at hand confirming: “Every responsible dog owner should have their dog under control at all times.”
Jen also raised the point that no breed should be discriminated against and legislation needs updating to ensure perspective and clarity going forward to facilitate the flexibility to deal with all natures of cases that may present themselves. Compensation is currently not covered by legislation however, NSA Scotland welcomed the principle of a compensation scheme, yet agreed it may be a long way off the financial implications found in reality. Unfortunately, due to the financial constraints of a Members Bill, it is not possible to include this as a provision. In addition to this, it was generally decided by the witnesses at this stage of the proceedings that Police Scotland should be well enough resourced to deal with incidents of this nature in the future.
If you missed the meeting and wish to watch it in its entirety, please click here.
