'Handle with care' warning over mink
The keeping of animals primarily for slaughter for fur could be banned in Scotland
From BBC Scotland News 23 rd November 1999
The Scottish Executive is being warned to "tread warily" over any legislation to prohibit fur farming to avoid placing new burdens on farmers.
The UK Government has already announced plans to ban the keeping of animals which are to be slaughtered solely for the value of their fur.
There are no operating fur farms in Scotland at present but animal rights campaigners are concerned that legislation to stop the trade in England and Wales could force the fur farmers north.
Parallel legislation
Ayrshire, Perthshire and the Lothians have several mothballed farms which activists believe could be brought back into service at a moment's notice.
The Scottish Executive is said to be concerned and BBC Scotland understands its advisors have recommended parallel legislation at Holyrood to prevent it happening.
The Conservatives' rural affairs spokesman Alex Johnstone said: "Well meaning though the executive's plans may be, they must tread very carefully indeed to avoid the creation of new, if unintended burdens on
Scotland's farmers.
"Sloppy wording of any proposed legislation could outlaw the culling of dairy bull calves solely for the value of their skins.
Humane methods
"If the executive outlaws this, our farmers may be forced to get rid of unwanted calves by cheaper and far less humane methods, as was feared when the Calf Processing Aid Scheme came to an end in July. This would be in the interests of no-one.
"It would be deeply unfortunate were the executive to act with indecent haste, undermine animal welfare and create yet further burdens on Scotland's farming communities."
One option is for an individual MSP to take up the cause and propose it as a members bill.
But it is thought more likely the executive will proceed on its own, with the aim of getting new legislation on the statute books by January 2002 - the same time as Westminster.
The Westminster government set out plans - given in the Queen's speech - to ban fur farming.
The legislation will not prohibit the keeping of animals where the primary purpose is the production of meat and fur is a by-product, nor the production of fur which can be clipped or shorn.
Fine and forfeiture
It will provide some compensation for existing fur farmers and there will be a winding-down period until at least the end of 2002.
Under the new legislation, anyone found guilty of keeping animals for slaughter for their fur could be fined up to £20,000 by the courts and any animals subject to forfeiture.
British fur farms kill up to 100,000 animals every year although there are now just 13 registered mink farms left in Britain compared with around 70 in the mid-80s.
© BBC Scotland News, 23 rd November, 1999
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