CODE OF PRACTICE
Introduction
1. This code of practice is issued under section 37 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 (the "Act")
2. Section 24 of the Act states that:
"A person commits an offence if the person does not take such steps as are reasonable in the circumstances to ensure that the needs of an animal for which the person is responsible are met to the extent required by good practice".
Thus animal owners and keepers have a legal duty of care for the animals for which they are responsible.
3. The duty of care placed on an animal owner or keeper is based on the 'Five Freedoms' and include:
- its need for a suitable environment;
- its need for a suitable diet;
- its need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns;
- any need it has to be housed with, or apart from, other animals, and
- its need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
4. These needs are explained in more detail in this code, however, your dog may have other needs that should also be met to ensure its welfare. If you are unsure what these might be, seek advice from a veterinary surgeon, a pet care specialist or a professional organisation such as the Scottish SPCA, the Dogs Trust or one of the other dog welfare charities. Some of the main organisations are listed in Appendix 2.
5. People are responsible for an animal if they own or are in charge of it. An owner has ongoing responsibility for their animal even if it is in the care of another person. If you are the parent or guardian of a child under 16 years old, you are responsible for any animal that youngster is in charge of or owns. This ensures that an adult can normally be identified as having responsibly for an animal.
6. Responsibility for an animal includes having an understanding of the specific health and welfare needs of the animal and having the appropriate knowledge and skills to care for the animal. Those responsible for animals will also have to be aware of and comply with the legislation and codes, and to know when to seek qualified advice and help.
7. Every animal is different and as you get to know your dog, you will recognise familiar characteristics. Observing your dog enables you to judge whether it is relaxed, healthy and comfortable. It is important that you are able to recognise any changes in behaviour, as these might show that your dog is distressed, ill, or is not having its needs met in some other way.
8. You control your dog's lifestyle, such as the amount of time it spends indoors and the exercise it receives. It is your responsibility to make sure that its needs are met, whatever the circumstances.
9. If you are worried about your dog, or you would like further advice about how to look after it and any future health care programme, vets or professional organisations are the best source of advice to help you.