Scots call for stronger animal protection from the next Parliament (17-03-26)

A new YouGov poll has revealed overwhelming public support for stronger protections for animals in Scotland—sending a clear message to candidates ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary elections on 7 May. 

The polling, commissioned by the More for Scotland’s Animals coalition of 15 leading animal welfare charities, highlights deep public concern over practices that cause cruelty and suffering to Scotland’s animals. 

Public wants action to end suffering to farmed, companion and wild animals

Across Scotland, voters expressed strong support for a range of animal welfare reforms:

  • 81% support a ban on electric shock collars
  • 70% back an end to farrowing crates for mother pigs 
  • 84% want tighter controls on keeping exotic animals as pets 
  • 92% support promoting responsible dog ownership and improving safety around dogs 
  • 80% support banning wild animals in mobile zoos 
  • 68% support extending welfare protections to farmed fish, ensuring they receive the same consideration as other farmed animals. 

These statistics make it clear—Scots want to see MSPs in the next Parliament do more for Scotland's animals, to ensure the highest standards of welfare for companion, farmed and wild animals. 

“These new polling figures clearly show that the wellbeing of animals matters greatly to people in Scotland. The Scottish Parliament has a responsibility to reflect the values of the people it serves.   

“Candidates that want to earn the trust of voters must demonstrate genuine commitments to better animal welfare.  

“Animals are a part of our society, and the public’s concern for their welfare—be they farmed, wild, or companion animals—is clear. When voters consider their choices up until the 7th May, the welfare of animals will be among the key issues shaping their decisions.”  

OneKind CEO, Jason Rose

Ask your candidates to pledge to do More for Scotland’s Animals 

It is crucial that MSP candidates know that animal welfare is a mainstream political issue, which matters deeply to their constituents. 

Please take our e-action to send a pre-written email to all the MSP candidates in your area, to let them know that animal welfare is a key concern for the voters they hope to represent. The emails will urge them to sign the More for Scotland's Animals pledge.

“I recognise animals as sentient beings and pledge to do More for Scotland's Animals to ensure the highest standards of welfare for companion, farmed and wild animals in the next Parliament.” 

More for Scotland's Animals' candidate pledge

Thank you for helping to ensure that  animal welfare remains high on the political agenda.

 Take action

Join us at the More for Scotland's Animals hustings

The More for Scotland’s Animals coalition will bring together fifteen leading animal welfare organisations to urge candidate MSPs to do more for Scotland’s animals if elected. 

These issues will be front and centre at the More for Scotland’s Animals Hustings on 14 April at the Edinburgh City Chambers.  

The event will be chaired by BBC Bargain Hunt presenter Roo Irvine, and will bring together representatives of the main political parties to speak about how their party plans to bring progress for animal welfare. 

This is your chance to ask party candidates questions about the animal issues that matter to you. 

Register for the hustings

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