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Tougher fox-hunting laws needed in Scotland, review finds
fox
The report concluded that greater consistency and clarity is needed in the legislation, and hunts should be made more transparent and accountable.
Legislation 'unduly complicates' prosecutions
 
Fox hunting laws in Scotland should be tightened up and clarified, a review has found.

The review, led by Lord Bonomy, aimed to find out if the legislation is adequately protecting wild mammals, whilst allowing effective and humane control where necessary.

A report published on Monday (21 November) concluded that there is reason to suspect illegal hunts are still taking place. In addition, aspects of the legislation unduly complicate the detection, investigation and prosecution of alleged offences.

Lord Bonomy made a series of recommendations:
  • Remove inconsistencies and inappropriate or unnecessary expressions in the legislation
  • Appoint part-time, independent hunt monitors to randomly observe hunts using packs of hounds
  • Develop a Code of Practice for hunt conduct, including a requirement to notify police in advance of a hunt, identities of those responsible for its activities, number of hounds, identities of guns, and provisions for conduct. This should be recorded in a log or register and form the basis of an annual report by Police Scotland
  • Amend section 1, either to make it an offence to 'intentionally or recklessly' hunt a wild mammal with a dog; or to make a person who 'uses, or causes or permits, a dog to hunt' a wild mammal guilty of an offence
  • Consider making it an offence for landowners to permit hunts to carry out illegal activities on their land
  • Extend the time limit for bringing prosecutions

Receiving the report, Scottish environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: "The Scottish Government recognised concerns about whether the legislation on fox-hunting is working properly – that is why we asked Lord Bonomy to carry out this detailed work.

"Back in 2002, Scotland led the way in addressing animal welfare concerns and we remain committed to ensuring the highest levels of welfare for our wild animals."

The government will now consider the findings and plans to respond in 2017.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.