You help us lead the charge to protect animal welfare in Scotland
Kirsteen Campbell
Chief Executive at Scottish SPCA (Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
As I was anticipating following the implementation of an XL bully ban in England and Wales on 31 December, yesterday’s First Minister’s Questions included a challenge on when the Scottish Government would reach a decision on XL bully ownership in Scotland.?
As with my colleagues throughout the Scottish SPCA, I was reassured that Humza Yousaf acknowledged that the Scottish Government takes the approach of ‘deed not breed’ and that they are committed to engaging with animal welfare stakeholders. Nevertheless, I was disappointed that the First Minister went on to state that the Scottish Government will, in essence, replicate the legislation that exists in England and Wales here in Scotland.
The types of attacks we’ve seen in the news are devastating. And while we recognise the need for urgent action to protect the public, we do not support a ban. This is not the solution. Decades of breed specific legislation have done nothing to reduce dog bites and attacks. The focus must be on tackling bad breeders and irresponsible owners.??
We will continue to meet government teams over the next few days, reiterate our position and of course influence the detail that will sit behind making legislation workable - as far as possible. Follow us on LinkedIn Scottish SPCA for updates next week once the Scottish Government provide further detail.?
We know from the huge public response to our posts yesterday that you're as passionate as we are to make Scotland the best place in the world for animals to call home. Thanks to you, we were able to successfully call on the Scottish Government to close the loopholes in the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill.?
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Being a part of groups like DAWG and the Dog Control Coalition, gives us a louder voice to create positive change for animal welfare. My thanks to every partner who helps amplify our collective voice. With special thanks to Sam Gaines from our sister charity and friend the RSPCA, who do incredible work in England & Wales, and our Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn who along with partners have been doing incredible work through the Dog Control Coalition.
Influencing legislation helps to make Scotland a better place for animals to be. And it’s just one of the tools in the Scottish SPCA's toolbox.?Getting ahead of issues before they become unbearable for pets and their owners is a vital part of our work. Our Pet Aid service now supports 57 food banks and community pantries across the country, providing essential food and supplies for the pets and their people who need us most. Calls to give up a pet trebled in 2022, increasing further last year. That’s why in 2024, we have expanded Pet Aid to include vet support, as well as building on our work with other organisations and in communities to help keep people and pets together. If you and your colleagues can offer your support in any of these areas, please reach out to Carrie Giannelli (Pet Aid) and Jennie Macdonald Jennie MacDonald (Community Engagement).?
You’re helping us to make Scotland the best place in the world for an animal to call home. From building on our work in communities to support people and their pets, to keeping animal rescue officers and inspectors on the road 365 days a year, rehabilitating animals and finding loving forever homes for pets like Jarvis, there are so many ways your support makes an impact. Every penny raised helps to provide treatment, shelter, and a chance at a better life for animals like Linnhe who need our help. Keep an eye on our socials for an update on Linnhe over the weekend.?
At a time when demand for our services is rising and our costs continue to escalate, your contributions really do go further than you think! If you want to find out more about the ways you can play your part in the rescue, please get in touch. Thank you all.
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10 个月This is horrible. Funding and prioritization is going toward euthanasia. Where is the investment in education and resources for dog owners and the community at large. This global problem need to be solved with tools to encourage continuous global evolution away from brutal discrimination and toward smart comprehension solutions and critical conversations. The US is still fighting the battle while the champions of the breed are improving practices, building awareness, etc. It's a long and tragic journey, but I genuinely believe we'll get there. Unfortunately it may be at the expense of the next breed to be targeted. ?? I applaud your work and stance. ???? ????
Fighting for radical legislative change to ban large scale puppy farming in the UK. Councils are licensing cruelty, failing dogs and fooling the public. The dog breeding act law is being broken daily. Stop the Abuse now
10 个月Such a travesty but given the UK governments appalling performance in relation to animal welfare bills such as ear cropping, puppy smuggling and @tukslaw frankly it was only a matter of time but a disappointing one given Scotland’s dedication to animal welfare. As puppy farm campaigners we’ve seen the UK and devolved governments purposefully allowing a surge in huge commercial licensed breeding establishments licensed by largely bankrupt councils and zero prosecutions due to the pitifully small sentences being handed out for serious animal welfare crimes including dog fighting. It is a sad world we currently live in where animals are being exploited for money and this latest ban sends a clear message to the public that the govt do not care. There has already been a surge in cane corso and Belgian malinois breeding
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10 个月Like many, I find it frustrating that once again the animals are suffering as a result of their owners poor choices, lack of care and understanding of how to handle their “pets” where no restriction, approval or apparent screening checks are required… Whilst I appreciate some breeds may be prone to particular behaviours, having grown up with many of the “banned breeds” including bullies of various types, rotties and other breeds. I firmly believe and support that more should be done to protect animals and screen those who intend to have breeds on this “list” as well as educate the public on the challenges each breed may present in order to inform and empower their owners to make the best possible choices.??
Helping CEO's and HR hiring managers recruit the best talent into their organisation through retained and contingency recruitment models.
10 个月Extremely disappointing however I can only hope together your voice will continue to get louder and be heard to make effective policies to protect our animals ??
Head of Department (DDaT) @ PDSA | Trustee
10 个月Thank you Kirsteen Campbell and your brilliant team for being a strong voice, and standing up for XL Bully's. It's not the outcome we hoped for, but it's absolutely critical we're in the fight. Hope you get some down time this weekend. ??