Scotland’s Animal Welfare Commission starts its work
JMICAWE Director, Cathy Dwyer, has just
chaired the inaugural meeting of Scotland’s first Animal Welfare Commission
(SAWC). Despite the restrictions on travel and gatherings due to the current
pandemic, all 12 members of the Commission were able to attend, either in
person or via teleconferencing (something we are all going to be getting better
at over the next few months), alongside representatives of Scottish Government
and SAWC Secretariat.
The Commission is made up of vets, animal welfare
scientists, representatives of NGOs and other bodies representing companion
animals and wildlife, as well as experts in animal welfare law, policy and
enforcement. SAWC will be working with the UK Animal Welfare Committee
(formerly FAWC – the Farm Animal Welfare Council of Five Freedoms fame) on farm
animal matters, but will take particular responsibility for welfare issues of free-living
wildlife, companion animals and areas of farm animal welfare of special
relevance to Scotland.
‘It is an exciting time to be involved in animal welfare in Scotland – currently a new bill to protect animals is going through the Scottish parliament, which will increase penalties for animal abuse and powers of enforcement, and will provide better management of breeding and sales of puppies and kittens. We in SAWC are looking forward to being able to advise Scottish government and the Ministers on animal welfare and to having a positive impact on the lives of Scotland’s animals. Hopefully this will also encourage other countries to take similar approaches.’
- Cathy Dwyer
