BASC is calling the Green Party’s failed last minute attempt to ban the tail docking exemption for working gundogs in Scotland a win for animal welfare.
The amendment introduced at the third hearing of the Animals and Wildlife (Scotland) Bill failed to pass by 22 to 56 votes.
The exemption the Green Party was trying to ban was introduced back in 2017 following Government-funded research by the University of Glasgow.
Dr Colin Shedden, BASC director of Scotland, said: “The lifetime welfare benefits of allowing working gundogs to have their tails docked is backed up by the Scottish Government-funded research. The attempt by the Green Party to act specifically against gundog welfare was shocking.”
On responding to the amendment, the Minister responsible, Mairi Gougeon, said she was “disappointed” the amendment was brought up at this late stage.
