Deer are often portrayed as symbolic of a wild Scotland – the ‘Monarch of the Glen’ proudly surveying his homeland. The implication is that they are thriving and revered. In reality, Scotland’s deer face many challenges. Human activities over centuries have created an unbalanced ecosystem, in which deer have no remaining natural predators. Consequently, the… Read more
Scottish Government licensing of grouse moors
The Scottish Government has announced that it will introduce licensing of grouse moors, during a statement of its response to a commissioned review of grouse moor management. That report, conducted by a team led by Professor Werritty, recommended the licensing of grouse moors after a five year delay, if substantial change did not occur in… Read more
Out of sight, out of mind: Guest blog by Rhona O’Malley
Rhona is a member of the Edinburgh charity Advocates for Rabbit Welfare and is passionate about profiling rabbit welfare needs to give owners the support and information they need. Rhona wishes someone had raised her awareness to the innocent welfare mistakes she used to make and is now on a mission to be that voice… Read more
OneKind manifesto for 2021 Scottish elections
We have just published our manifesto for the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary elections. It outlines the actions we would like the incoming Parliament and Government to take to improve the welfare of Scotland’s animals. It contains 19 specific actions that we are calling for. They vary in form and complexity, but all are guided by a… Read more
Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill will become law
On Wednesday evening, June 17th, MSPs voted unanimously for the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill to become law. This is a big step forward for improving welfare for Scotland’s animals. The main functions of the Bill, which we have previously written about in more detail, are to increase maximum penalties for… Read more