It is against the law to hunt a wild mammal using a dog except in limited circumstances. This became an offence under the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002.
This Bill replaces the 2002 Act. It will still be an offence to hunt a wild mammal using a dog except in limited circumstances. For example, hunting with dogs may be allowed to prevent the spread of disease or to protect other animals if the activity meets the requirements in the Bill about how it is done. However, it will always be illegal to chase and kill a wild mammal using a dog.
Where hunting is allowed, the Bill introduces new limits on the number of dogs that can be used. In some circumstances, people may be able to get a licence to use more dogs.
The Bill also bans trail hunting except in limited circumstances. Trail hunting is when a dog is used to find and follow an animal-based scent.
This Bill was introduced in the Scottish Parliament by the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport on 24 February 2022.
Read and find out more about the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill.
The lead Committee responsible for scrutiny of the Bill at Stage 1 has yet to be designated. A separate call for views on the Bill’s policy provisions will be issued by the lead Committee in due course and published on this consultation platform.
As with all Bills, the Finance and Public Administration Committee invites written evidence on the estimated financial implications of the Bill as set out in its accompanying Financial Memorandum (FM).
Read the FM published alongside this Bill.
Please submit your views using the online submission form, linked to below.
We welcome written views in English, Gaelic, Scots or any other language.
The call for views closes on 20 May 2022.
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