The use of dogs to control foxes and other wild mammals in Scotland
Feedback updated 18 Apr 2023
We asked
We asked for views on the Scottish Government’s proposals for a Bill which would repeal and replace the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002. The consultation ran from 29 October 2021 to 15 December 2021.
The consultation asked questions about the implementation of the majority of Lord Bonomy’s recommendations, the introduction of a two dog limit to flush foxes or other wild mammals from cover, the introduction of a licensing scheme permitting more than two dogs to flush wild mammals from cover in certain circumstances, and banning the practice known as ‘trail hunting’.
You said
We received 9,790 substantive responses from individuals, including 48 from organisations. In addition to this, we received 3,106 campaign responses. Respondents included animal welfare and animal rights organisations, countryside management, sporting organisations and representative bodies, as well as communities and individuals.
Respondents were generally supportive of the proposals set out in the consultation including, limiting the number of dogs that can be used for flushing wild mammals and banning trail hunting.
A full analysis of the consultation responses is available on the Scottish Government website.
We did
The Scottish Government introduced the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 (the “2023 Act”) to address concerns about the use of dogs to hunt wild mammals. The Act replaces the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002. The 2023 Act makes it an offence to search for, stalk or flush a wild mammal using a dog except in limited circumstances, for example, to prevent the spread of disease or to protect agriculture. However, the 2023 Act does not permit a person 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. Trail hunting is an activity when a pack of dogs is used to find and follow an artificially laid animal-based scent.
Results updated 20 Oct 2022
The Consultation has now closed. Thank you for your response. The Hunting with Dogs: Consultation Analysis report has been published on the Scottish Government website.
Links:
Overview
We recognised concerns about whether the legislation that governs the use of dogs to hunt for mammals in Scotland is working properly. That is why we asked the Right Honourable Lord Bonomy to undertake a review to ascertain whether the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002 provided a sufficient level of protection for wild mammals, while at the same time allowing effective and humane control of mammals, such as foxes, where necessary.
Lord Bonomy’s report was an important milestone and gave a considered, objective and comprehensive examination of the issues. He outlined a significant number of potential improvements for the conduct of operations under the 2002 Act, and to the Act itself.
On 9 January 2019, following a consultation on Lord Bonomy's recommendations, that ran from October 2017 to January 2018, the then Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment set out to Parliament proposals for reform, including the implementation of the majority of Lord Bonomy’s recommendations and announced the following further measures:
- A new general limit of no more than two dogs to be used to flush foxes or other wild mammals from cover
- Consideration of a licensing scheme permitting more than two dogs to flush foxes or other wild mammals from cover in certain limited circumstances
- Banning the practice known as “trail hunting” as this poses significant risks for wild mammals
This consultation is seeking views on those proposals.
Why your views matter
We would like to hear from those affected by these proposals, including those involved in land management and predator control, and those with views on wildlife welfare and enforcement.
We want to ensure that decisions on any ensuing reforms to the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002 are made with a sound understanding of the issues and implications.
What happens next
After the consultation closes, we will analyse the responses to inform decisions on any ensuing reforms to the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002.
Interests
- Environment and Climate Change
- Farming and Rural
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