LEGISLATION that aims to increase penalties for dog owners whose pets harass farm animals requires amendments before it passes, a Holyrood committee has said.
The bill, put forward by SNP MSP Emma Harper, would bring in sentences of a maximum of six months in prison, a £5000 or both, as well as the ability to seize a dog suspected of the offence. Members of the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee doubted if that would be a sufficient deterrent.
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Scotland Bill would also, if passed by MSPs, amend the meaning of the term livestock to include other types of farmed animals such as buffalo or llamas, as well as allowing the issuing of orders preventing offenders from owning pets or taking them near farmland.
Evidence to the committee suggests the disqualification orders may be against the European Convention on Human Rights, however, and it asked how the orders would be applied in practice. The committee also voiced opposition to allowing police the power of entry and search without a warrant while investigating an offence.
The report said: “The committee has very real concerns about the powers proposed in this section of the bill and questions whether they are legally competent. It is not persuaded that powers of entry, search and seizure without a warrant are required.”
However, the committee recommended the Scottish Parliament allow its passage at stage one, as well as allocating enough time for it to be passed before next year’s election.
Convener Edward Mountain said: “In principle, the committee is supportive of new legislation. However, the evidence from stakeholders has highlighted a number of areas which the committee considers more clarity and/or amendment is needed.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel