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.
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:
This consultation is seeking views on those proposals.
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.
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.
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