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
Introduced
The Scottish Government introduces the Bill and accompanying documents to the Parliament which publishes the Bill.
The Bill was introduced on 24 February 2022
Bill as introduced
Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill as introduced (1MB, pdf) posted 24 February 2022
Financial resolution
The Presiding Officer has decided under Rule 9.12 of Standing Orders that a financial resolution is not required for this Bill.
Crown consent
This Bill requires Crown consent. It is expected that this consent will be signified at Stage 3.
Related information from the Scottish Government on the bill
Explanatory Notes
Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill explanatory notes (204KB, pdf) posted 24 February 2022
Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill explanatory notes (print version) (268KB, pdf) posted 24 February 2022
Explanation of the Bill
Policy Memorandum
Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill policy memorandum (266KB, pdf) posted 24 February 2022
Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill policy memorandum (print version) (356KB, pdf) posted 24 February 2022
Why the Bill is being introduced
Financial Memorandum
Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill financial memorandum (178KB, pdf) posted 24 February 2022
Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill financial memorandum (print version) (191KB, pdf) posted 24 February 2022
How much the Bill is likely to cost
Delegated Powers Memorandum
Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill delegated powers memorandum (119KB, pdf) posted 24 February 2022
Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill delegated powers memorandum (print version) (173KB, pdf) posted 24 February 2022
Information on the powers the Bill gives the Scottish Ministers and others to make “secondary legislation” (usually regulations) and to the Scottish Ministers (such as to make guidance).
Statements on Legislative Competence
Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill legislative competence (89KB, pdf) posted 24 February 2022
Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill legislative competence (print version) (140KB, pdf) posted 24 February 2022
Statements on whether the Bill is within the Parliament’s “legislative competence” (if the Parliament has the power to make the changes to the law proposed by the Bill).
Scottish Parliament research on the Bill
Read the research done by the Scottish Parliament on specific parts of the Bill: