Climate change is causing rising sea levels and coastal erosion and 109 Scottish golf courses are at risk. We examined the issue as part of Green drive: Golf and the environmental crisis – a special Ferret series on golf and the environment.
The Ferret exposed the extreme views of Reform UK’s Scotland’s candidates before Nigel Farage promised to improve his party’s “poor” vetting processes, but many of them have been re-selected to fight the Holyrood election.
Anas Sarwar's party accepted over £7,000 from Stonehaven, a lobbying firm which represents the owner of Scotland's last nuclear power station. Scottish Labour has sought to make nuclear power a battleground in the May election.
The Scottish Government is to consider regulating canine fertility clinics following an investigation by The Ferret revealing that some offer veterinary procedures that critics say should only be performed by vets.
There has been a sharp rise in the number of canine fertility clinics across the UK in recent years due to a growing demand for puppies and fashionable dog breeds.
These clinics are currently unregulated, however, prompting concerns that untrained people are performing veterinary services that should only be carried out by qualified professionals.
The Ferret’s investigation last month found there are at least eight canine fertility clinics in Scotland offering services such as progesterone testing – a blood test to pinpoint the best day to mate dogs. This involves taking blood from an animal which should be done by a vet, say animal welfare campaigners.
In response to our findings the British Veterinary Association (BVA) said it was “deeply concerned” and Mark Ruskell, the Scottish Greens environment spokesperson, wrote to the Scottish Government to ask if it would regulate canine fertility clinics.
We are glad that the Scottish Government recognises the serious concerns associated with canine fertility clinics and will consider regulating them. We urge that the consultation on this is brought forward without delay
Kirsty Jenkins, policy officer at the animal welfare charity OneKind
In a written answer to Ruskell, published yesterday, the Scottish Government confirmed it was looking at the issue.
Mairi Gougeon, the cabinet secretary for rural affairs and islands, wrote: “The programme for government 2020-21 commits the Scottish Government to consult on proposals to extend the new regulatory framework that came into force on 1 September last year for the licensing of dog, cat and rabbit breeding activities, animal welfare establishments and pet sales to performing animals and animal care services.
She added: “This latter category may possibly include canine fertility clinics, particularly given the concerns of the veterinary profession about the growth and practices of such clinics across the country.”
Kirsty Jenkins, policy officer at the animal welfare charity, OneKind, welcomed Gougeon’s comments and said: “We are glad that the Scottish Government recognises the serious concerns associated with canine fertility clinics and will consider regulating them. We urge that the consultation on this is brought forward without delay.”
The BMJ – a medical trade journal – said in 2020 there were at least 37 canine fertility clinics in operation in the UK compared to just one in 2015.
Photo Credit: iStock/Capuski
Campaigners complained to a government animal welfare watchdog, with videos of badly injured salmon at a fish farm. This prompted a review, but should more have been done?
Investigations into allegations of poor fish welfare at salmon farms by the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency have risen by more than ten times in six years, while site inspections have decreased.
Hundreds of protected areas are under pressure from Scotland’s massive deer herd. Most agree deer numbers must be controlled to protect the environment, but are split on what should be done.
Edinburgh University students were “interrogated” by police at their desks over posters featuring Palestinians killed by the Israeli military, prompting dozens to complain.
