That said, should the committee take a contrary view I would be happy to look at this matter again. 5 Official Report, Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, Wednesday 26 March 2025, Col 10 6 Official Report, Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, Wednesday 26 March 2025, Col 11 7 Official Report, Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, Wednesday 26 March 2025, Col 9 8 Official Report, Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, Wednesday 26 March 2025, Col 9 4 Section 1(3) provides for the defence whereby a person can show they had “lawful authority” or a “reasonable excuse” for taking or keeping the dog.