Seòmar agus comataidhean

It is a joy to speak in the debate and I thank Christine Grahame for her tireless efforts to provide support for the welfare of animals across Scotland.

I have many cherished memories of my dogs, which have been an integral part of my life. Each wagging tail, slobbery kiss and loving gaze has filled my heart with so much happiness. My dogs were my childhood comforters and were certainly my teenage confidants; they have been my loyal, trusted companions throughout all life’s ups and downs.

Amid that joy, I am acutely aware of the responsibilities that come with dog ownership. The decision to bring a dog into one’s life is not one that should be taken lightly, and it requires careful consideration, thoughtful planning and a deep understanding of the commitment that is involved. I have made mistakes in the past: I have made rushed decisions and I now regret them. However, those experiences have taught me invaluable lessons. My journey to find the dog that I have now—my great dane, Matilda—was not a swift one. It involved months of research, deliberation and searching for the right breeder and the right dog. The process was meticulous but necessary, as I had to ensure that Matilda would be not only a suitable companion but a healthy and happy one.

I certainly support the essence of Christine Grahame’s member’s bill, as it seeks to improve the health and welfare of dogs by fostering a more responsible and informed approach to dog ownership. The Scottish SPCA, in its efforts to protect animals from cruelty and neglect, has borne witness to the grim realities of the dog trade. It has seen first hand the consequences of impulse purchasing and irresponsible breeding practices by which puppies are deprived of necessities such as human contact, socialisation and proper veterinary care. Those dogs often face a lifetime of health issues and behavioural problems because of their traumatic beginnings.

My search for Matilda was a privilege that I could afford: the online searches; the cost of her breed; the journey of hundreds of miles to get her; and the overnight stay. I recognise that that route may not be accessible to all; certainly, it was not one that was available to me in the past and that was not how my other dogs came into my life.

As we navigate the bill, we must ensure that we strike a balance and safeguard the welfare of dogs without creating unnecessary barriers for those who have reduced incomes, who still deserve to have the joy and companionship that a dog can bring to a family.

I support the proposal for the Scottish Government to develop and publish a code of practice that outlines the responsibilities of potential dog owners and those who are involved in selling or giving away dogs. The code would encourage individuals to carefully assess their suitability for dog ownership and to consider whether they can provide for all of a dog’s needs throughout its life. It would be a reminder that dog ownership is not a decision that is to be made lightly but that it is a lifelong commitment that requires dedication, resources and unwavering love.

In addition to safeguarding the welfare of dogs, the bill also aims to educate the public about the risks that are associated with buying from unscrupulous dealers and the importance of responsible ownership. By raising awareness and providing additional oversight, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions, deter low-welfare dealers and hold irresponsible breeders to account for their actions. Through awareness campaigns, educational initiatives and community outreach programmes, we could support individuals to make ethical choices, support responsible breeders and reject the exploitative practices of puppy farms and low-welfare dealers. I often remember that a puppy is not just for Christmas, and I am glad to see that, every year, we still have that slogan in mind. The approach that I have described can work to educate the public if we get the public relations campaigns correct.

Let us remember that, behind every statistic, there are countless tails that are wagging with unconditional love and loyalty. Let us honour their trust by standing united in our commitment to the welfare of dogs and in our resolve to create a future in which every dog is treated with the care, respect and compassion that it deserves.

To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of the potential impact on Police Scotland and devolved agencies of reports that the Home Office has launched a major operation to detain asylum seekers across the United Kingdom, following the passing of the UK Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024. (S6F-03076)

To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to support the improvement of transport links in the north-east of Scotland. (S6O-03374)

The Campaign for North East Rail’s feasibility study on rerailing Peterhead and Fraserburgh is due to be submitted to the Scottish Government this week. Should that study give us the positive result that we are all hoping for, will the cabinet secretary consider funding a detailed options appraisal to reconnect the significant population of the area to the railway?

Given the news that the Home Office raids have begun, is the First Minister as sickened as I am, and as many of my constituents are, at the fact that this unworkable policy has been forced on Scotland by a fear-mongering and xenophobic UK Government?

As I see no indications from members that there are more questions, I thank you both for attending today. Your contributions have been invaluable.

I suspend the meeting for five minutes.

Thank you. We are all agreed.

That is very helpful.

Our next agenda item is an evidence session on suicide prevention in Scotland. Rose Fitzpatrick CBE QPM, chair of the national suicide prevention advisory group, was due to attend this morning but is now unable to do so.

I refer members to papers 2 and 3, and I welcome to our meeting our first panel: Professor Rory O’Connor, from the University of Glasgow, and Dr Hazel Marzetti, from the University of Edinburgh. Welcome, and thank you for attending. I invite each of you to make a brief opening statement before we move to questions from the committee. We will start with Professor O’Connor.

Thank you. I invite Dr Marzetti to give her opening statement.