Last minute amendments put forward by the Green Party that could have a serious impact on the shooting community are due to be debated tomorrow (17 June) in the Scottish Parliament.
These suggested amendments to the Animals and Wildlife (Scotland) Bill include:
- The full protection of mountain hares and further protection for beavers.
- The end of prophylactic tail docking – the exemption for working gundogs.
- The introduction of vicarious liability for several wildlife offences.
Neither Parliament nor its committees have had the chance to consider these matters in any detail but MSPs are expected to vote on them. This is a highly unusual set of circumstances with the new amendments being added at the last possible moment.
BASC has briefed all MSPs on these important matters, requesting them to reject these amendments.
Even at this late stage, we would urge all members in Scotland to email their MSPs and request their support for the continued exemption for tail docking and the continued management of mountain hares.
BASC will be watching the debate tomorrow and will be keeping members up to date at the soonest opportunity.
