Our volunteers are the reason for a lot of OneKind’s successes. From signing petitions to helping raise awareness, our volunteer teams are always supporting us – joining the fight to end animal cruelty in Scotland. We want you to meet our volunteers to highlight their passion for our cause and the individual work they do… Read more
Minister’s commitment to Scotland’s animals welcomed
OneKind animal welfare charity has welcomed many of the proposals in a comprehensive Parliamentary Statement on Animal Welfare today (Wednesday 9 January 2019) by the Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment, Mairi Gougeon MSP. In particular, OneKind welcomes commitments for legislation on fox hunting, the creation of an Animal Welfare Commission and the… Read more
Why 2019 should be the year to Rethink Fish
Happy New Year to all our wonderful OneKind supporters! To kick start the year we thought we’d talk to you about why we think 2019 should be the year to Rethink Fish. Even though fish share many similar characteristics with humans – they feel pain, they communicate with each other, work cooperatively and have unique… Read more
What do volunteers do at OneKind?
Hey everyone, I’m Sarah and in 2017 I volunteered as a campaigns intern for OneKind. Supporters often ask ‘what do volunteers do at OneKind?’. OneKind has an amazing bunch of volunteers who do a wide range of things, from helping in the office, to going out and collecting petition signatures. They also represent OneKind at… Read more
The best of OneKind volunteer activity 2018
As we wrap up another year in our fight to end cruelty to Scotland’s animals, we’d like to take a look back at some of our favourite OneKind volunteer activity in 2018 … My Immortal Burns night We kicked the year off in style with our Policy Advisor, Libby, organising a burns themed gala evening…. Read more
Looking back on 2018 – our campaign highlights
It’s almost the end of 2018 and what a year it’s been for OneKind. We held our biggest demonstration yet against fox hunting, released ground-breaking footage of mountain hare culls and launched a new campaign on salmon farming in Scotland, to name but a few of our successes. We also worked very closely with politicians… Read more
Charity calls on Scottish Government to make this year’s Boxing Day and New Year hunts the last
Leading animal campaigns charity OneKind is calling on the Scottish Government to introduce a real fox hunting ban as mounted packs around the UK set off on their Boxing Day and New Year’s Day hunts. Fox hunting was banned in Scotland under the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act in 2002, however loopholes in the… Read more
Growing concern about the use of live reindeer in Christmas displays in Scotland
The Christmas holiday season is well upon us which means Santa and his reindeer have been making appearances at festive events in parades, shopping centres and garden centres across the country for the past few weeks. We understand that these events can be very popular, but we also think it’s important that we start talking… Read more
Go salmon free this Christmas!
Salmon is often seen as an essential part of the menu at Christmas time, but did you know that there are many meat-free, vegan alternatives that you can have instead? With the launch of our salmon farming campaign this year, we thought we would share with you some alternatives to salmon that you can find… Read more
Why we care about cleaner fish
Here at OneKind we have always promoted the welfare of fish, whether they are wild-caught, farmed or used in the pet trade. Since August this year, we have been campaigning for better fish welfare on salmon farms in Scotland, and earlier this week we furthered our campaign by releasing a new report Cleaner fish welfare… Read more
New report exposes serious welfare concerns surrounding the use of cleaner fish on Scottish salmon farms
Scotland’s animal campaigns charity OneKind has released a new report which highlights the serious animal welfare issues surrounding the use of cleaner fish as a treatment for sea lice on salmon farms in Scotland. Both wild-caught and farmed cleaner fish (mainly lumpsuckers and ballan wrasse) are used by the salmon farming industry in Scotland to… Read more
New report on salmon farming: what have we learned?
Earlier this week, the much-anticipated report by the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Economy and Connectivity (REC) Committee on salmon farming in Scotland, was published. OneKind contributed to this inquiry, urging the Committee to consider the welfare of not only farmed fish, but cleaner fish, and wild animals such as cetaceans and seals. We were therefore pleased… Read more
The horrible reality of Scotland’s grouse moors
Last month, OneKind received a report via our SnareWatch website from someone who had found eight snares set to catch animals within 50 yards of each other on a woodland path with the carcasses of four rabbits lying nearby. The aim of the website is to compile evidence of how snares and used and the… Read more
Charity asks, “what’s next?” as new report highlights failings of Scotland’s salmon farming industry
The Scottish Government’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee has today (Tuesday 27th November) published a hard-hitting report into the wider impacts of salmon farming. The report Salmon farming in Scotland was commissioned to consider the current state of the salmon farming industry in Scotland, looking at opportunities for future developments and how fish health and… Read more
Where does Lush palm oil come from?
Lush is a fantastic supporter of OneKind’s work. They sell charity pots, tubs of rich ‘n creamy body lotion, the full price of which (minus VAT) is donated to local charities whose ethics align with those endorsed by Lush. Our participation in their charity pot initiative raises crucial money that goes directly towards funding our… Read more
Radical new campaign brings together social, environmental and animal welfare charities to reform Scotland’s grouse moors
Naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham to launch Revive: The coalition for grouse moor reform A radical new campaign will launch in Edinburgh this week (Tuesday 6th November) bringing together several charities across social, environmental and animal welfare sectors, working together to reform Scotland’s grouse moors. Revive: The coalition to reform Scotland’s grouse moors is a… Read more
Meet OneKind’s new director Bob Elliot
What a privilege to be asked to lead OneKind as the new Director. I am absolutely delighted and proud to have the opportunity to be able to build and develop the excellent work undertaken by former Director Harry Huyton and the team. Thank you to all those supporters, members and colleagues that have made me… Read more
5 key facts we’ve learned from the Scottish fish farm production survey 2017
Every year, the Scottish Government publishes the “Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey”. These reports shed light on things such as the number of active salmon farming sites, the number of fish entering sea-water salmon farms in Scotland, survival rates of salmon throughout the production cycle, and information on cleaner fish. Today the production survey for… Read more
Volunteer Blog – Meet Art for Animals artist Romain Pizzi
In celebration of Scotland’s magnificent wildlife, our annual Art for Animals exhibition is back, taking place later this month in Edinburgh. We have 14 artists who will showcase their creations, each having been motivated to carve, paint and sketch by the animals that make this spectacular country their home. The exhibition aims to inspire a… Read more
Scottish wildlife exhibition returns to improve protection for Scotland’s animals
Leading animal campaigns charity OneKind is putting on an exhibition of Scottish wildlife and animal art to raise money to help end cruelty to Scotland’s animals. After a successful launch last year, Art for Animals returns on the 19-25 October at the Breeze Art Gallery in Edinburgh. The event will celebrate Scotland’s magnificent wildlife while… Read more
Not just salmon: 5 other animals impacted by salmon farming in Scotland
We have talked a lot about the impact that salmon farming has on salmon, but sadly it is not just farmed salmon that are negatively impacted by the salmon farming industry in Scotland. Here are five other animals that can be impacted by salmon farming in Scotland. Seals Scotland is home to grey, and common… Read more
OneKind welcomes decision by P&O Ferries to stop transporting live animals
Animal campaigns charity OneKind has welcomed today’s decision (Tuesday 11th September) by P&O Ferries to stop transporting live animals to Northern Ireland with immediate effect. The statement from P&O Ferries said: “We can confirm that P&O Ferries will cease co-operating with the Scottish Government to transport across the Irish Sea young calves destined for continental Europe… Read more
5 awesome things our volunteers have done for OneKind this summer
We’ve had a really busy summer in terms of volunteer work at OneKind, both in the office and out and about with our growing volunteer groups. Our volunteers are vital in our work to end cruelty to Scotland’s animals, and they really help us get our message out there and build support for our campaigns…. Read more
OneKind welcomes animal welfare commitments in the Scottish Government’s Programme for Scotland
Leading animal protection charity OneKind has welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitments to animal welfare in the year ahead. At the same time, the charity points out the need for further work in some areas. In the full programme for government 2018/19, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP pledged to establish an Animal Welfare Commission to provide… Read more
Shocking footage shows diseased and damaged fish on Scottish salmon farm
Animal campaigns charity OneKind has released shocking new footage which shows serious animal welfare concerns on a salmon farm in Scotland. The footage, shot on Monday 27th August at Vacasay salmon farm in Loch Roag on the Isle of Lewis, was given to OneKind by the film makers and has now been passed to the… Read more
Three facts about public opinion of fish welfare
Last week, results from a survey commissioned jointly by Eurogroup for Animals and Compassion in World Farming on the opinions of the UK and specifically the Scottish public on fish welfare, were released. Here are some of the key findings from the survey: 63% of the Scottish public, and 68% of the UK public, believe… Read more
Scotland should keep up with England on puppy sales reforms
OneKind has welcomed the announcement by Environment Secretary Michael Gove that the UK government intends to ban third party puppy and kitten sales in England. Confirming the government’s support for the prominent Lucy’s Law campaign, Defra has published a consultation on an outright ban that will mean anyone looking to buy or adopt a puppy or kitten… Read more
Calls increase for a moratorium on the salmon farming industry in Scotland.
Animal campaigns charity OneKind has launched a petition to the Scottish Parliament with partners Scottish Salmon Think-Tank, Save Seil Sound and the Salmon Aquaculture Reform Network Scotland (SARNS) calling for a moratorium on the expansion of the salmon farming industry until welfare and environmental concerns are addressed. It comes as the aquaculture industry, backed by… Read more
Why I’m walking the Kiltwalk for #TeamOneKind
Hi everyone! I’m Sarah and I’m the Project Officer for OneKind, looking into fish welfare on salmon farms in Scotland. This Sunday 19th I am doing something different- taking part in the Dundee Kiltwalk, where I will be walking 25 miles to raise money for OneKind! So why have I decided to take on this… Read more
OneKind calls for urgent action in response to news of severe declines of mountain hares
In response to a newly published study that has found catastrophic declines in mountain hare numbers on moorlands in the eastern Highlands, Harry Huyton, OneKind Director, said: “This research is the final nail in the coffin for the Scottish Government’s policy of inaction in the face of relentless persecution of mountain hares on grouse moors…. Read more
Lonely Scotland – A new guide to wildlife persecution in Scotland
Today OneKind has published Lonely Scotland – A guide to hunting, trapping and wildlife persecution in Scotland. You can order your copy here. The OneKind team are often asked about traps. Ramblers, mountain bikers, dog walkers and others enjoying the countryside come across a snare or a Fenn trap and will call us to find… Read more
Meet our volunteers – Ali and Mark from Dufftown
Our volunteers are the reason for a lot of OneKind’s successes. From signing petitions to helping raise awareness at our event stalls, our volunteer teams are always out supporting us – joining the fight to end animal cruelty in Scotland. We want to share our volunteer stories to highlight their passion for our cause and… Read more
New report exposes serious welfare issues on Scottish salmon farms
Scotland’s animal campaigns charity has released a new report highlighting the serious welfare issues on Scotland’s salmon farms. Fish welfare on Scotland’s salmon farms exposes a number of welfare breaches including mass mortality, sea lice infestations, disease and escapes. Scotland is the largest producer of farmed Atlantic salmon in the EU, and the third largest… Read more
New report highlights worst and best salmon farms in Scotland for animal welfare
Animal campaigns charity OneKind has released a new report, The welfare status of salmon farms and companies in Scotland, which highlights the worst and best salmon farms for animal welfare in Scotland in 2017. The report collates publicly available data on mortalities, escapes, biomass exceedance, seal shooting and sea lice burdens for the 184 active… Read more
Calls for an end to mountain hare killing intensify on first day of the open season
Charities have today intensified their calls for urgent action from the Scottish Government to prevent the further mass killing of Scotland’s mountain hares. The open season on mountain hares begins today (1st August) and runs until 28 February. During this period, tens of thousands of mountain hares will be killed. The majority will be killed… Read more
New data reveals death and disease on Scotland’s salmon farms
Disease, lice infestations and mass mortality events continued to cause suffering on Scotland’s salmon farms in the first quarter of 2018, new data has revealed. The data shows that up to three million fish died (assuming all salmon that died weigh 1kg) in mortality events between January and March 2018. This is an 8.5% increase… Read more
Farmed salmon welfare in 2018: what we know so far
Scottish salmon farm mortality, escape, fish health inspectorate and sea lice data is now available for early 2018. We’ve been going through this data, and have found the following… Mortality is slightly higher compared to last year Overall, between January and March 2018, between 707,000[1] and 3 million fish[2] (3534 tonnes) died on salmon farms… Read more
Scottish Government given huge mandate for fox hunting ban
The Scottish Government has today (Friday 29th June) published its analysis of the consultation on reforming the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act. The consultation was launched last year following recommendations made by Lord Bonomy in a review of the Act. The consultation received 18,787 responses, with 98% of respondents supporting a real and effective… Read more
New photos expose shocking welfare issues on Scottish salmon farms
Yesterday, the Ferret published photos of disease and sea lice-ridden, deformed and stunted farmed salmon. These photos were taken during Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) diagnostic inspections following instances of mass mortalities on fish farms. During these inspections FHI inspectors will sample between 3 and 10 salmon to perform post-mortems on, to determine the causes of… Read more
Pet shop reforms should inspire bigger thinking on welfare
It is widely agreed that the legislation regulating pet sales in the UK is out of date and overdue for reform. The Pet Animals Act dates from 1951, long before the internet was invented and long before the craze for owning more and more exotic animals took hold of the public. Hardly surprising, then, that… Read more
Our love of plastic is killing our wildlife
Plastic waste has reached epidemic levels. Our oceans are becoming filled with plastic, that is being dumped into the water killing our seals, whales, fish, sea birds, and many other sea animals. It’s also littering our beautiful beaches and making its way into the food chain. In fact, things have got so bad that it’s… Read more
Taking action for fish
I’m a Project Officer for OneKind, working on fish welfare in salmon aquaculture. I’ve been busy working behind the scenes researching this issue, but last week was especially busy! I presented OneKind’s findings on salmon welfare in the Scottish Parliament, then went to Brussels to meet with fish welfare experts and share the results of… Read more
Tayside beavers, victims of intolerance and an uncaring bureaucracy
One of the most special wildlife experiences I have enjoyed in Scotland was watching a young beaver kit and its mother swimming together in a big pool that had been created by the industrious family. It was dusk, and we had been taken to the spot by a local campsite owner who had recently started… Read more
Charity invites wildlife artists to come together to help Scotland’s animals
Leading animal campaigns charity OneKind is inviting Scotland’s wildlife and animal artists to exhibit their work in Edinburgh to raise money for Scotland’s animals. After a successful launch last year, Art for Animals returns on the 19-25 October at the Breeze Art Gallery. The event will celebrate Scotland’s magnificent wildlife while also raising awareness of… Read more
Three facts that show overwhelming support for action on mountain hare culls
This week the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland and OneKind published the results of polling of attitudes towards mountain hare culling in Scotland. This follows the First Minister’s branding of footage of culling as “unacceptable” and committed to “exploring all available options to prevent the mass culling of mountain hares and one of those options… Read more
Parliamentary questions reveal ravens routinely culled across Scotland
Raven culling has become routine across Scotland, with Scottish Natural Heritage permitting the killing of over 1000 ravens per year in the last three years. The number of ravens permitted to be killed was 1129 in 2016, 1133 in 2017 and 1082 in 2018. This information has come to public attention following answers to a… Read more
Scottish public overwhelmingly support increased protection for the iconic mountain hare, according to new figures
Charities release polling following revelations of the shocking extent of mountain hare slaughter in Scotland New figures have revealed overwhelming public support for increased protection of Scotland’s iconic mountain hare. Polling commissioned by the League Against Cruel Sports and OneKind show that 83% of the Scottish public think hare culling should be regulated or made… Read more
New data reveals extent of mountain hare persecution in Scotland
Data which has been released under Freedom of Information rules has revealed for the first time the true extent of mountain hare persecution in Scotland. Mountain hare killing in Scotland is unmonitored and unregulated during the open season, which runs from 1st August to 28th February, and until now the only estimated number of mountain… Read more
More to discuss as sanctuaries regulations make progress
The Scottish Government has published its analysis of the responses received to the recent consultation on proposals to regulate animal sanctuaries and rehoming centres in Scotland. The consultation received a total of 185 responses, of which 73% (135) were from members of the public. A further 34 responses (18.3%) were from animal welfare charities, animal… Read more
“It’s not rocket science, it’s a case of killing things”
It’s very rare for a gamekeeper to speak out about what’s really happening on Scotland’s shooting estates, but yesterday Chris Packham released a 15-minute interview of an anonymous man who had worked on grouse moors in the UK and, in Chris’ words, wanted to “come clean”. What he describes is predictable: an industry at war… Read more
Shocking new footage shows a stink pit on a grouse moor known for mountain hare culls
Warning – Disturbing scenes of wildlife persecution Footage released today from an investigation by OneKind and the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland yet again shows the grim reality of the war on wildlife that is being fought across Scotland’s grouse moors. This stink pit consists of rotting deer carcases and dead foxes hanging from trees…. Read more
Grouse moor management under fire again as footage reveals more horrors
Warning: This video contains footage which may disturb viewers Following an expose of the slaughter of mountain hares in the Highlands, charities have released further evidence of the shocking reality of grouse moor management in Scotland. OneKind and the League Against Cruel Sports have today (Sunday 13th May) released new footage which shows another part… Read more
The raven cull – what we know, what we don’t know, and what next
A cull of ravens in Perthshire has been approved by Scottish Natural Heritage across a large area of Perthshire, predominantly made up of grouse moors. For more on the background to the cull, and why it must be stopped, see this blog. Three weeks on from when Raptor Persecution broke the story, here’s an update… Read more
OneKind welcomes public consultation on responsible dog ownership
Animal protection charity OneKind has today (Friday 4 May) welcomed the launch of a public consultation on responsible dog ownership in Scotland. The consultation has been launched by Christine Grahame SNP MSP ahead of her proposed Member’s Bill in the Scottish Parliament. The Bill aims to encourage people to only buy dogs from reputable breeders… Read more
Where do the political parties stand on mountain hare culling?
In the past two weeks, over 9000 emails have been sent to MSPs across Scotland asking them to do everything in their power to stop the slaughter of mountain hares. If you haven’t already, you can take the action here. Here’s the lowdown on which MSPs have responded so far and what parties support an… Read more
The Raven Cull – An unkindness on the moors
Unscientific, unjustified and developed without consultation with conservation or animal welfare groups. This blog looks at why the license to cull 300 ravens in Perthshire must be withdrawn immediately. For a long time, I thought ravens were naturally upland birds. I associated their ethereal and atmospheric croaking with days in the mountains in Wales and… Read more
OneKind issues warning to pet owners about the danger of snares
Animal protection charity OneKind is warning pet owners across Britain to beware of snares, with hundreds of thousands thought to be set across the country every spring. The charity’s SnareWatch.org website has recently received a number of reports of dogs and cats caught in the wire traps, with devastating results. Gary Wright’s cocker spaniel Murphy… Read more
Let’s all #SayNoToPuppyDealers
OneKind is delighted to be part of a powerful new initiative launched today to tackle the illegal puppy trade in Scotland. The project is led by the Scottish SPCA in collaboration with the Scottish Government, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, RSPCA, Battersea, Dogs Trust, Trading Standards Scotland, Blue Cross, OneKind, BSAVA and the University of… Read more
Killing mountain hares is not conservation
One of the most interesting things about how proponents of hare killing on grouse moors responded to our exposé over Easter is how little talk there was of disease control. In 2007, when SNH commissioned a study of hare killing in Scotland, it was estimated that 50% of hare killing was justified primarily on the grounds… Read more
Gamekeepers invite First Minister to learn about hare culls
Gamekeepers have invited the First Minister to visit a moor to ‘learn’ about hare culling. This follows the release of footage of hare killing on grouse moors by OneKind, the League Against Cruel Sports and Lush last week. In response to the a question about the footage, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP said: “Large-scale culling of… Read more
OneKind welcomes First Minister’s opposition to large-scale mountain hare culls.
Today, in response to a question in the Scottish Parliament from Green MSP Alison Johnstone, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP said: “Large-scale culling of mountain hares could put the conservation status at risk and that is clearly unacceptable.” The question followed footage released today (Thursday 29th March) from an investigation carried out by OneKind, The… Read more
Shocking expose of mass killing of Scotland’s mountain hares
Extraordinary footage from an investigation carried out by OneKind, League Against Cruel Sports and Lush has revealed the brutal, military style mass killing of Scotland’s mountain hares on grouse moors. Campaigners supported by Chris Packham are calling on the Scottish Government to take immediate action and end the killing. Mountain hare shooting is one of… Read more
OneKind and Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue announce new partnership
Leading Scottish animal charities OneKind and Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Trust have announced a new partnership in a bid to do more for Scotland’s wildlife. The two charities will work on joint fundraising and supporter engagement activities with the aim of furthering their work to protect, rescue and rehabilitate more animals in Scotland. OneKind Director Harry… Read more
For the Foxes – reactions to our fox hunting march
On Saturday 24th March, around 800 people joined a march For The Foxes organised by OneKind, The League Against Cruel Sports and IFAW to call for a real fox hunting ban in Scotland. OneKind’s Campaigner Sarah Moyes gives us all the lowdown from the march. [View the story “For The Foxes” on Storify]
Shocking investigation shows cruel reality for pigs reared for Parma Ham, funded by public money
Photo: copyright LAV/Eurogroup for Animals Today, shocking footage reveals the reality on some of the farms raising pigs for one of the most highly-priced pork products in supermarkets and delicatessens in Europe and worldwide – Parma Ham and other Italian speciality hams. The images reveal illegal practices, lack of hygiene and veterinary care, presence of… Read more
Hundreds expected to descend on Scottish Parliament this weekend to march ‘For the Foxes’
Campaign to really ban hunting in Scotland gathers momentum with march and rally: Saturday 24th March, Edinburgh Hundreds of people are expected in Edinburgh this weekend to march For the Foxes, an event organised by the League Against Cruel Sports and OneKind with support from IFAW to highlight overwhelming support from the public to strengthen… Read more
Animal sentience and welfare needs recognised by Scottish Parliament
OneKind, Scotland’s animal campaigns charity, has welcomed the Scottish Parliament’s unanimous support for an Amendment to the European Union (Legal Continuity) (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament today (21 March 2018), recognising the sentience of non-human animals and the need to pay regard to their welfare. Libby Anderson, OneKind’s Policy Advisor said: “We are delighted… Read more
OneKind welcomes commitment to protect animal welfare after Brexit
OneKind, Scotland’s animal campaigns charity, has welcomed a response from the Scottish Government to look for ways to protect animal welfare principles after Brexit. Michael Russell MSP, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe, said that the Scottish Government was continuing to consider how best to enshrine its commitment to the EU environmental… Read more
OneKind responds to the news that the giant panda breeding programme at Edinburgh Zoo has been suspended.
Animal protection charity OneKind has responded to the news that the giant panda breeding programme at Edinburgh Zoo has been suspended. Edinburgh Zoo has confirmed Tian Tian and Yang Guang will not attempt to breed this year, as the Zoo wants to improve the panda enclosure before further breeding attempts. OneKind Policy Advisor, Libby Anderson… Read more
New report highlights welfare issues of fish on Scottish salmon farms
We were pleased to see the report by the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform (ECCLR) committee was published today. This report follows their inquiry into the Scottish salmon farming industry and is written to inform the Rural Economy and Connectivity (REC) committee in their inquiry into salmon farming. OneKind provided evidence to the ECCLR… Read more
March for the Foxes – One month to go!
On Saturday 24th March, animal lovers from across Scotland will be coming together in Edinburgh to march For the Foxes and call for a real fox hunting ban. Please join us. At the weekend, Ricky Gervais joined our calls for fox hunting to be banned when he spoke out and said this: We were thrilled… Read more
Charity renews calls for end to mountain hare culls on the last day of the open season
Leading animal protection charity OneKind has renewed its calls for an end to the mass killing of mountain hares in Scotland on the last day of the open season. Mountain hares are protected by a closed season which runs from tomorrow (1st March) until 31 July. Outside of this period, the animals are killed as… Read more
Celebrities back charity campaign to really ban hunting in Scotland
Celebrities including Ricky Gervais and Chris Packham are giving their support to a campaign to really ban fox hunting in Scotland. The campaign led by the League Against Cruel Sports, OneKind and IFAW is hosting a march next month in Edinburgh city centre to highlight overwhelming support from the public to strengthen the current hunting… Read more
The intensive grouse moors of the Pentlands
This week we got the sad news that Fred the Golden Eagle has disappeared in suspicious circumstances in the Pentlands Regional Park. On the one hand this is just another raptor on an ever-growing list that have disappeared on intensive grouse moors. But on this occasion, it’s more than that. The Pentlands are a Regional… Read more
Five reasons why we are concerned about Scottish salmon farming
I’ve recently joined the OneKind team to work on a new project that will look at the welfare of salmon on Scottish fish farms. With the recent launch of the inquiry into the environmental impacts of salmon farming by the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform (ECCLR) committee, we thought it would be a perfect time… Read more
Meet a Member – Erica Cochrane
Members are at the heart of OneKind Scotland – without your support, we couldn’t be the strong voice for Scotland’s animals that we are today. We want to share our members’ stories, and highlight their passion and commitment to animal welfare, so we’ll be putting the spotlight on a different member each fortnight. Today, meet… Read more
OneKind calls on Scottish Government to reconsider opposition to live animal export ban
Leading animal protection charity OneKind has today written to Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity, to reconsider his position on live animal exports after Brexit. This follows comments by the Cabinet Secretary that are reported in The Scotsman today, in which he said that the Scottish Government would not be… Read more
Scotland stands up for mountain hares – reactions to Countryfile
On Sunday 28 January, OneKind Director Harry Huyton was interviewed on BBC Countryfile, speaking out against mountain hare culls. We were overwhelmed by the support from viewers across the UK, who were outraged at the indiscriminate killing of hares on grouse moors. We’ve collated some highlights below – let us know if you think we… Read more
Charities welcome overwhelming public response to hunting consultation
Over 31,000 in favour of strengthening fox hunting legislation The League Against Cruel Sports Scotland and OneKind are urging the Scottish Government to listen to public opinion when deciding on the future of fox hunting in Scotland, following an overwhelming response to a consultation on the issue. The consultation, which closes tomorrow (Wednesday), invited… Read more
Three reflections on Countryfile’s mountain hare culls feature
I was pleased to be given the opportunity to make the case for protection of Scotland’s mountain hares on the BBC programme Countryfile yesterday. If you missed it, you can watch the episode on iPlayer here. Here are three reflections after watching the show and people’s reactions to it on social media (and the OneKind… Read more
Scottish Government announces ban on electric shock collars
Today, the Scottish Government has announced an “immediate and effective” ban on the use of electric shock collars and other cruel devices used in the training of dogs and cats. OneKind Director Harry Huyton said: “Electric shock collars are cruel, unnecessary and ineffective. I’m delighted that the Scottish Government has today taken a stand against… Read more
Scotland’s electric shock collar ban
Today marks an important step forward for dog welfare in Scotland. The Scottish Government has announced that it will effectively ban the use of electric shock collars in the near future. No doubt this will be the media focus as the cruelty of these devices is plain to see for all, and there is overwhelming… Read more
Meet a Member – Elaine Mackie
Members are at the heart of OneKind Scotland – without your support, we couldn’t be the strong voice for Scotland’s animals that we are today. We want to share our members’ stories, and highlight their passion and commitment to animal welfare, so we’ll be putting the spotlight on a different member each fortnight. Today, meet… Read more
Three reasons to back an electric shock collar ban
In 2016 the Scottish Government consulted on whether to ban electric shock collars or not. We assumed that this would inevitably lead to a ban given the strength of the case against these devices and, critically, the fact that the Welsh Government had already gone down this route. OneKind worked hard to help make this… Read more
Mythbusting veganism in #Veganuary
This year, I’m taking on the Veganuary challenge, and trying veganism for a month, with the goal of adopting a more ethical diet permanently. I’ve been vegetarian for 13 years, so I had to ask myself, why haven’t I transitioned to veganism sooner? I am a vegetarian for ethical reasons, so forgoing dairy and other… Read more
Meet a Member – Kirsty Murdoch
Members are at the heart of OneKind Scotland – without your support, we couldn’t be the strong voice for Scotland’s animals that we are today. We want to share our members’ stories, and highlight their passion and commitment to animal welfare, so we’ll be putting the spotlight on a different member each fortnight. Today, meet… Read more
Why I’m taking the Veganuary challenge in 2018
I’ve been a vegetarian for 13 years, since I first started animal welfare activism as a teenager. And yet, despite the years I’ve spent volunteering for animal sanctuaries and donating to animal welfare organisations, and now working for OneKind, I haven’t made the switch to veganism. Why is that? For one, I’ve always thought it… Read more
Charity calls for a real fox hunting ban on the busiest day of the hunting calendar
Leading animal campaigns charity OneKind is calling for the Scottish Government to introduce a real hunting ban as the annual Boxing Day hunts get underway. Fox hunting was banned in Scotland under the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act in 2002, however loopholes in the law mean that it still takes place. Two hunts are… Read more
Reactions to the ban on wild animals in travelling circuses in Scotland
OneKind Campaigner Sarah Moyes gives us the lowdown on the passing of the Bill to ban wild animals in travelling circuses in Scotland. [View the story “Scotland bans wild animals in travelling circuses” on Storify]
OneKind welcomes response to mountain hare killing petition
Leading animal protection charity OneKind has welcomed the Scottish Parliament’s decision to keep its mountain hare petition open while it awaits a response from the Scottish Government. OneKind presented its 11,000-strong petition to the Scottish Parliament’s Public Petitions Committee in September in a bid to end the mass killing of mountain hares in Scotland. Today,… Read more
OneKind celebrates as Scotland becomes first UK country to ban wild animals in circuses
Leading animal protection charity OneKind is today (Wednesday 20th December) celebrating as the Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (Scotland) Bill has been passed. The Bill was passed by unanimously following a debate at Holyrood. Scotland is now the first country in the UK to introduce a ban on wild animals in circuses. Bans are already… Read more
A decade of campaigning against wild animals in circuses
With the Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses Bill about to be passed by Holyrood, Libby Anderson, OneKind’s Policy Advisor, reflects on a decade of campaigning to end the use of wild animals in circuses. Having taken a leading role in campaigning for a ban on wild animal circuses in Scotland, I am delighted that today… Read more
Stop the Puppy Profiteers
Last week, we launched a new report Scotland’s Puppy Profiteers exposing the traffickers, dealers and breeders in Scotland who put profit before the welfare of our animals. If you’ve never bought a dog then you might be unfamiliar with the conditions that some of these poor animals are sold in. As someone who was brought up… Read more
Why I’m supporting OneKind this Christmas
My name is Allie, and I’m a OneKind member and volunteer. I wanted to share with readers why I have supported OneKind for more than three years now, and why I am certain that the funds I donate to OneKind are truly making an impact for Scotland’s animals. Like you, I have been passionate about animals… Read more
This Christmas, I’m donating to OneKind for Scotland’s wildlife
My name is Ellie, and I’m a OneKind volunteer. I’m wanted to share with readers why I support OneKind, and why I would encourage you to donate to them this Christmas. Like you, I’m passionate about animal welfare and want to see an end to animal cruelty in Scotland. But I also care deeply about our… Read more
Meet our Members: Emma-Jayne
Members are at the heart of OneKind Scotland – without your support, we couldn’t be the strong voice for Scotland’s animals that we are today. We want to share our members’ stories, and highlight their passion and commitment to animal welfare, so we’ll be putting the spotlight on a different member each fortnight. Today, meet… Read more
Two Green MSPs receive Lord Houghton Award for Animal Welfare
OneKind has presented this year’s Lord Houghton Award for Services to Animal Welfare jointly to Green MSPs Alison Johnstone and Mark Ruskell. The Lord Houghton Award has been given every year since 1979. OneKind, Animal Defenders International (ADI), League Against Cruel Sports and British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) (now Cruelty Free International), take… Read more
Is this how fox hunting will be banned in Scotland?
The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, is a professed “opponent of fox hunting”. Indeed, under her leadership the SNP at Westminster put themselves between the Conservative government and the Hunting Act, foiling their attempts to weaken the ban in England and Wales by bringing it in line with the fundamentally flawed ban in… Read more
Animal sentience – why it’s important and where next
The vote in Westminster last week to reject the proposed amendment to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill that would have effectively transposed Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) has been met with furore. Some of this has been misguided. It’s clearly nonsense to claim that MPs decided that animals… Read more
MSPs urged to back Motion in support of maintaining recognition of animal sentience in Scotland after Brexit
Leading animal protection charity OneKind has called on MSPs to support a Motion put forward by Mark Ruskell, MSP for Scottish Greens, on Protecting Animal Welfare after Brexit. Motion S5M-08973 calls for support of maintaining the legal principle of animal sentience in Scotland after Brexit. It has been tabled following the failure of a Westminster… Read more
