Animal welfare - registration and importation

We believe that it has a moral responsibility for the welfare of all captive and domestic animals, and all wild animals in so far that its activities impinge upon them.

The Council promotes the responsible ownership of pets, and high standards of animal welfare and husbandry at licensed premises, on farms, during transport, and at livestock markets. Stirling Council endorses the five freedoms, for all animals, conceived by The Farm Animal Welfare Council, an independent advisory body to the Government.

 
The five freedoms are:

    Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition - by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour

    Freedom from discomfort - by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.

    Freedom from pain, injury or disease - by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment

    Freedom to express normal behaviour - by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind

    Freedom from fear and distress - by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering

 
Stirling Council will work to achieve these objectives on animal welfare matters by:

    Enforcing fairly and even-handedly

    Exercising control through policy decisions in relation to activities that it manages

    Educating and advising residents of and visitors to Aberdeenshire on animal welfare issues

    Providing up-to-date advice on animal welfare issues to individuals or organisations involved with animals

Seeking to influence (both within and outwith the Council's area), persons who could have an impact on animal welfare issues

We will amend and update the Animal Welfare Charter as necessary, to reflect the changes in legislation and local circumstances

 You are restricted to what animals you can import or export and these measures are necessary to restrict the spread of certain animal diseases such as rabies.

You can contact us for help and advice or view further information at The Scottish Government website.