SCOTGOV has announced plans to limit the number of litters that pet breeders can take from dogs, cats and rabbits.

The move follows overwhelming support by the public to a government consultation, in which 96.8% of respondents said they supported tighter regulation of companion animal breeding activities. The consultation included proposals to limit the number of litters that animals should give birth to in their lifetimes, and end breeding practices which are likely to cause offspring suffering in later life.

Minister for rural affairs and the natural environment, Mairi Gougeon, said that new regulations will now be drafted to modernise the current licensing system for cats, dogs and rabbits.

“We love our pets in Scotland, so it is no surprise that so many people are in favour of our proposals to further protect the welfare of cats, dogs and rabbits,” stated Ms Gougeon. “The aim is to modernise the whole licensing process – making it less onerous on those organisations already doing the right thing and, most importantly, ensuring that the system is centred around the welfare of animals.

“The Scottish Government will now work with local authorities, welfare organisations and individuals to bring these regulations forward,” she concluded.