Scottish Hot Branding Ban Welcomed
New regulations will be laid in the Scottish Parliament in September to remove the exemption which allows the hot branding of equine animals to take place.
The announcement follows a consultation by the Scottish Government driven by BVA and BEVA policies calling for a full ban last year.
Commenting, Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA, said: “This is a very important decision for the welfare of horses and ponies. Hot branding is undoubtedly painful and causes unnecessary suffering. We are delighted that the Scottish Government has made this decision and hope that the rest of the UK follows.”
Dr Madeleine Campbell, President of BEVA, added: “Hot branding requires the efficient destruction by burning of the superficial skin layers leaving a distinct scar. This technique is clearly no longer justifiable on welfare grounds and we are very pleased that the Scottish Government has listened to our concerns.”
Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said: "There is no place for hot branding in a country which prides itself on its high animal welfare credentials. The main function of branding is to identify horses and ponies but the legal requirement to microchip all equines now means that it is no longer required.”
The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
