Protecting pets in Moray
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Charities in Moray will be exempt from the fees that relate to new animal welfare rules coming into force next year.
New Scottish Government regulations are attempting to clampdown on puppy farms as well as grant more protection to animals in general.
Licences for dog breeders will be extended to include cats and rabbits.
In addition, permission will be required to breed more than three litters of puppies or kittens, or six litters of rabbits within a 12-month period.
The new measures also mean licences will be required by anyone involved with re-homing animals or running welfare establishments.
These licenses will cost £198 and £229 respectively.
However Moray Council's licensing committee voted unanimously yesterday that the charges should be set aside for registered charities in the region.
In addition, they decided the fees should be cut by 50% for individuals and groups in Moray who are not registered charities but still show that they help animals.
Councillor David Bremner (Fochabers/Lhanbryde, SNP) spoke about how the pandemic has seen an upsurge in people buying pets, and how it had opened the door to some unscrupulous practices such as puppy farms.
He welcomed the new licenses, but added that organisations such as Cats Protection and the SSPCA already have to comply with strict rules from OSCR, the charity regulator, and should not be burdened further.
In addition he praised the work of local groups and individuals who are not registered with OSCR.
Cllr Bremner proposed a motion that charities should be totally exempt, while the other groups should only be charged 50%.
This was welcomed by cllr Marc Macrae (Fochabers/Lhanbryde, Conservative), who said: "These charitable organisations need all the help they can get for the excellent work they do."
Meanwhile, cllr Louise Nicol (Speyside/Glenlivet, SNP), who seconded the motion, said: "A lot of charities do charge for their service, but they need that for looking after and feeding the animals."
As part of the new government measures, pet shop licences will be replaced with a new license for selling animals as pets.
Premises will also be examined by environmental health officers and vets.
The revised system is coming into force nationally on January 11.
Current licences will be replaced when they expire thereafter with the new ones.
