Current status: Answered by Jim Fairlie on 10 February 2026
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the statutory guidance introduced in 2025 under section 38 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 on the slaughter of farmed fish, and in light of the UK Government consulting on introducing legislation to further strengthen the law to ensure that farmed fish are protected at slaughter, whether it will consider introducing similar additional measures in Scotland.
The Scottish Government’s official guidance, published on 17 July 2025, was developed in close collaboration with animal welfare organisations, industry, and enforcement partners. There are currently no plans to introduce additional measures.
The Scottish Government considers the welfare of farmed fish at the time of slaughter is protected through Article 3.1 of retained Council Regulation (EC) 1099/2009, which requires that animals are spared any avoidable pain, distress, or suffering during killing and related operations.
The Scottish Government will continue to engage constructively with the UK Government and stakeholders to find ways to further improve the welfare of farmed fish throughout the lifecycle.