Section 15 - Acoustic deterrent devices: requirement to report
104.Section 15(1) requires the Scottish Ministers to lay a report before the Scottish Parliament by 1 March 2021 on the use of acoustic deterrent devices on land constituting a fish farm.
105.Section 15(2) lists the matters which must be included in this report.
106.Section 16 – Review of requirements for additional animal welfare, animal health and wildlife offences
107.Section 16(1) requires the Scottish Ministers to conduct a review of whether the provisions of the Act are sufficient to ensure appropriate standards of animal welfare, animal health and protection of wildlife.
108.Section 16(2) provides that the review must in particular consider whether provision should be made (i) for a specific offence of theft of a pet; and (ii) to prohibit or otherwise regulate the use of collars or other wearable devices designed to administer an electronic shock (“the specified matters”). Section 16(2) also requires that the Scottish Ministers consider whether provision should be made for appropriate penalties for any such offences.
109.Section 16(3) requires that the Scottish Ministers complete the review as soon as reasonably practicable and no later than 1 April 2025.
110.Section 16(4) requires that the Scottish Ministers lay a report on the review before the Scottish Parliament and publish it in such manner as they consider appropriate.
111.Section 16(5) requires that the report must include a statement of the action, if any, the Scottish Ministers intend to take as a result of the review. In addition, it specifies that where the Scottish Ministers do not intend to take steps to make provision for the specified matters, the report must include a statement of their reasons for this.
