Scotland’s seal’s better protected

Elaine Murray

Scottish Labour’s animal welfare spokesperson Elaine Murray has insisted that seals around the Western Isles of Scotland will be better protected after her measures to toughen up the licensing regime for controlling the animals were included in the Marine Bill.

Ms Murray’s amendment to the legislation, which was passed by MSPs today, will ensure that any lethal control of seals is a last resort and that alternatives, such as anti-predator nets, must be tried first.

Elaine Murray said:

“For many people this is a highly emotive issue and over the past few months we have received correspondence from people around the world, so it was extremely important to make sure that this legislation better protects seals.

“We don’t want any animal to suffer and that is why we want tougher licensing measures. My amendment will make sure that anyone applying for a licence to control seals must show there is no reasonable non-lethal alternative.

“Pressure from Labour MSPs at Stage 2 has already led to the Scottish Government agreeing to improve the licensing regime by introducing specific requirements around the type of firearm, skill of marksmanship, sea conditions and visibility and a requirement on the individual to take all reasonable steps to prevent suffering.

“Labour has listened to all sides of the debate as the Bill progressed through Parliament and we are confident that this legislation is the right solution.”

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