Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill
It is against the law to hunt a wild mammal using a dog except in limited circumstances. This became an offence under the Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002.
This Bill replaces the 2002 Act. It will still be an offence to hunt a wild mammal using a dog except in limited circumstances. For example, hunting with dogs may be allowed to prevent the spread of disease or to protect other animals if the activity meets the requirements in the Bill about how it is done. However, it will always be illegal to chase and kill a wild mammal using a dog.
Where hunting is allowed, the Bill introduces new limits on the number of dogs that can be used. In some circumstances, people may be able to get a licence to use more dogs.
The Bill also bans trail hunting except in limited circumstances. Trail hunting is when a dog is used to find and follow an animal-based scent.
The Bill was passed on 24 January 2023 and became an Act on 07 March 2023
Contents
Stage 3 - Final changes and vote
MSPs can propose further “amendments” (changes) to the Bill. MSPs decide on each of these. Finally, they debate and vote on whether to pass the Bill.
The Bill ended Stage 3 on 24 January 2023
Debate on the proposed amendments
MSPs can propose further “amendments” (changes) to the Bill. Amendments are “selected” (chosen for debate) by the Presiding Officer. MSPs then debate and decide on the amendments.
Documents with the amendments considered at the meeting held on 24 January 2023.
Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 3 (376KB, pdf) posted 18 January 2023Timed Groupings of Amendments for Stage 3 (876KB, pdf) posted 23 January 2023
Read the minutes of proceedings (107KB, pdf) posted 24 January 2023
Meeting on 24 January 2023 (Part 1)
Final debate on the Bill
Once MSPs have debated and decided on the amendments, they debate whether to pass the Bill.
Meeting on 24 January 2023
Read the minutes of proceedings (107KB, pdf) posted 24 January 2023
Final vote on the Bill
After the debate, MSPs vote on whether to pass the Bill.
Meeting on 24 January 2023
Final version of the Bill
Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill as passed (563KB, pdf) posted 24 January 2023
Printing changes
Printing changes are changes to the text of a Bill for which amendments are not required. It will not change the legal effect of the Bill.
Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill printing changes after the Bill as Passed (81KB, pdf) posted 10 February 2023
Stage 3 Timetable
- Submitted by: George Adam, Paisley, Scottish National Party.
- Date lodged: Monday, 23 January 2023
- Motion type: Bureau Motion
- Motion reference: S6M-07608
- Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, 24 January 2023
Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill
- Submitted by: Màiri McAllan, Clydesdale, Scottish National Party.
- Date lodged: Monday, 23 January 2023
- Motion type: Motion For Debate
- Motion reference: S6M-07600
- Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, 24 January 2023
Result 90 for, 30 against, 0 abstained, 9 did not vote Agreed