Current status: Answered by Roseanna Cunningham on 19 January 2017
To ask the Scottish Government which stakeholders it has held discussions with regarding a review of animal welfare legislation, and whether it will provide details of discussions it has had involving the possibility of licensing animal rehoming agencies.
My officials held meetings with stakeholders on 23 November 2015 and 3 June 2016 in connection with the ongoing review of pet welfare. Discussion at those meeting covered a range of issues, including that of licensing animal rehoming agencies. Officials have also discussed that issue at meetings with individual stakeholders.
The minutes of the meetings of November 2015 and June 2016, with participants listed, are available on the Scottish Government website at: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/animal-welfare/AnimalWelfare/companion/welfarestakeholder. Representatives from the pet industry, animal welfare, local government and veterinary organisations presented their views.