Inverclyde's MSP-backed plans to introduce new regulations for the pet care industry have received “overwhelming public support”.
Analysis of responses to the Scottish Government's recent consultation on the proposals found that 89.1% were in favor of a licensing system for commercial dog walkers, while 82.2% were in favor of similar checks for dog groomers. It became clear.
SNP officer Stuart McMillan, who has been working on the issue with Port Glasgow business owner Christina O'Donnell since 2022, aims to improve animal welfare and raise the profile of the “skilled specialist industry”. We welcomed the latest information on this initiative.
MSP said: “I am delighted that this consultation analysis confirms the views of industry and pet owners that the licensing and regulation of pet services in Scotland needs to be improved.”
“People consider their pets to be part of the family, so just like their loved ones, they want to know that the services they use (e.g. groomers, animal handlers, walkers, etc.) have been inspected and insured. I would like to confirm.
read more：Request for stricter regulations in the pet grooming industry
“However, current legislation means that many people working in this sector do so with little or no relevant experience or qualifications.”
Mr McMillan said the measures would reduce the number of “horror stories” of animals dying or being seriously injured at the hands of “inadequate” pet groomers and dangerous incidents occurring while walking dogs. He said there is a possibility that it could be done.
Christina, who runs Pawsitively Purrfect Pet Services and Training Academy in Newark Street, said she appreciated the efforts of politicians to keep the issue on the Scottish Government's agenda.
She added: “This is good news for animals, their owners and the industry itself.”
