Animal charities call for national database to track banned offenders

Animal charities say the way criminals are recorded and monitored must be changed to prevent more animals suffering.

The Scottish SPCA is leading a campaign calling on the Scottish Government to create a national database to track those with an animal ban or cruelty conviction.

Nicola Strachan, head of advocacy at The Scottish SPCA, explained: “It’s not that we don’t have laws to ban people from doing this, it’s that there’s no centralised easily accessible system that relevant agencies can see and enforce these bans consistently.

“The current system is far too reliant on breaches being reported and remembered.”

Other charities, including the World Horse Welfare centre in Aboyne, are also adding their voice to the calls.

One of its field officers, John Burns, introduced STV News to a 27-year-old pony called Shabba, who was rescued from someone who had a previous animal cruelty conviction and a ban from keeping animals.

John said: “Shabba came in as part of a large welfare case in quite a sorry state. I think his case could’ve been prevented if we had better systems to monitor people with an animal ban.

“There’s definitely been a lot more animal welfare cases since I started working here where people are moving around with a ban and go undetected.

“It’s sad for the animals as well because it’s letting them down.”

In England, there have been similar calls from the RSPCA, with the hope that a UK-wide system could track criminals who move around the country.

John added: “I think a nationwide approach would highlight serial offenders, and to let them know you can’t just pack up, move and start again in another country.”

In response to the proposals, a Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government is committed to improving and protecting animal welfare.

“The Animals and Wildlife Act 2020 increased the maximum penalties for the most serious animal welfare offences, and last year a review of the Act confirmed that it is robust and fit for purpose.”