§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what evidence he has of infringements of the law regarding the time limit on the castration of lambs in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector MonroI have no reports of infringements relating to the castration of lambs.
This practice is regulated by the Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912 which prohibits castration without the use of an anaesthetic from the age of three months.
The code of recommendations for the welfare of sheep stipulates that castration must be carried out only in strict accordance with the law and by a competent trained operator. Where anaesthetic is used, the provisions of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, as amended, restrict operators to veterinary surgeons only.
The Farm Animal Welfare Council recently reconsidered the general practice of castration of farm animals. On its recommendation the Government are funding a research programme which is now in progress.