Scotland 'will not pursue compulsory muzzling'
The majority of respondents were in favour of compulsory microchipping.
The Scottish Government will not pursue a policy of compulsory dog muzzling in public places, after a consultation proved the majority of people to be against it.
Full responses to the consultation were published on Friday (October 31). The aim was to gauge the public's view of the best ways to improve public safety in Scotland through responsible dog ownership measures.
Of those who responded, 97 per cent were not in favour of compulsory dog muzzling.
When the consultation launched last year, the BVA's president at the time, Robin Hargreaves, said the organisation had "serious reservations" about the welfare issues associated with compulsory muzzling of all dogs, or dogs of specific breeds.
Commenting on the results of the consultation, Scotland's justice minister Kenny MacAskill, said the government will not pursue a policy of mandatory muzzling.
"It was a radical proposal but it was important that communities across Scotland had the chance to give their views on every option available.
"It is clear from the responses that communities right across Scotland do not think this is a measure that will encourage responsible ownership."
The majority of respondents did, however, support the introduction of a compulsory microchipping scheme, as has been introduced elsewhere in the country, and the government is now considering the practicalities of introducing this.
Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead, said: "The responses to questions clearly show an overwhelming public appetite for some sort of compulsory microchipping scheme.
"This is really positive however it is only right that we fully explore the practical aspects of this, including costs, before we make a definitive decision and my officials will continue to work on this with a view to announcing a decision in the near future."
Microchipping of all dogs will become compulsory in England in April 2016 and March 2015 in Wales. The procedure was previously made compulsory in Ireland.
The consultation responses can be found on the Scottish Government's website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/10/4357
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.
