Animal welfare policy failing to meet Scots’ needs, charity says
Scottish adults considered animal welfare to be Scotland's second biggest issue.
The Scottish SPCA has called on the Scottish Government to produce a ‘dedicated animal welfare strategy’ to meet the country’s needs.
Its calls come after the 2026 Animal Kindness Index named animal welfare as Scotland’s population’s second biggest issue after mental health.
The survey, which is conducted across the UK, saw the largest Scottish sample since it was founded in 2022. This year 1,603 Scottish adults shared their attitudes towards animals and explained their values.
Among the most popular proposals was Scottish SPCA’s calls for a National Animal Offenders Register, which the charity says could tackle repeat offending and safeguard animals. Responses revealed that 93 per cent of Scottish adults backed such an initiative.
There was also strong backing for an update to the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. Ninety per cent of Scottish adults said that they wanted more modern and updated legislation to protect animals, and 80 per cent agreed that animal welfare education should be part of the curriculum.
It also found that 89 per cent of Scottish adults backed the introduction of a ‘permitted list’ of exotic animals which can be legally kept as pets.
However, the Scottish SPCA describes a ‘significant gap’ between what the public want to see and the attention given by politicians. Sixty-six per cent of adults said the Scottish Government was responsible for animal welfare.
The charity is now urging policy makers to ‘catch up’ with constituents’ expectations and commit to animal welfare. Its manifesto, Animals Count: Make Them Matter, featured four ‘asks’ which received over 85 per cent backing each.
Mark Bishop, chief executive at the Scottish SPCA, said: “Animal welfare is not a niche issue – it is connected to the health of our communities, public safety, education, housing, mental wellbeing and the environment. The way we treat animals says a great deal about the kind of society we want to build.
“That is why we are calling on the Scottish Government to commit to introducing an all-animal welfare strategy for Scotland as they embark on a new parliamentary term. England, Northern Ireland and Wales all have dedicated all-animal health and welfare strategies – so why is Scotland falling behind?”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government responded: “The Scottish Government is committed to improving and protecting animal welfare.
“The Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) Act 2020 increased the maximum penalties for the most serious animal welfare offences, and last year a review of the Act confirmed that it is robust and fit for purpose.”
Image © Scottish SPCA
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