The Scottish Government has revealed their intention to work with the Kennel Club’s Dog Health Group to make the advancements necessary to improve further the health and welfare of dogs.

The comments were published following a question to the Scottish Executive from David Whitton MSP regarding the legislative recommendations made by Professor Sir Patrick Bateson in his Independent Inquiry into Dog Breeding. The question and response were as follows:

David Whitton asked: "What plans the does the Scottish Executive have to address the legislative recommendations made in Professor Sir Patrick Bateson's report, Independent Inquiry into Dog Breeding?"

Mr Richard Lochhead reply was: "Prof. Sir Patrick Bateson’s report makes a number of recommendations which would involve changes to the legislation on the breeding and sales of dogs, and the Dangerous Dogs Act. Rather than take action at this stage to legislate, the Scottish Government intends to work with the Kennel Club and its Dog Health Group, which now has a broader remit, additional independent experts and under an independent chairman, to make the changes necessary to improve the health and welfare of dogs."

The Kennel Club will encourage all dog breeders to participate in the Accredited Breeder Scheme, which Prof. Bateson recognised as close to the ideal model.

Only if the Kennel Club are unsuccessful in their attempts to improve the health and welfare of dogs, would the Scottish Government consider legislation.

The Control of Dogs (Scotland) Bill is presently making its way through Parliament. This is a Member’s Bill but it has been given Government support. If passed it will go a considerable way in meeting the recommendation on Dangerous Dogs in the Bateson Report.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Communications Director, said: “The Scottish Government’s response is extremely welcome and encouraging, and demonstrates that the Kennel Club and the Dog Health Group are in the best position to move forward with Professor Bateson’s recommendations. They also highlight his comments that the Accredited Breeder Scheme is close to the ideal model for dog breeding and its regulation.”