These Regulations amend the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing (Scotland) Regulations 2012 (the “principal regulations”).

Under the principal regulations, one of the requirements for obtaining a certificate of competence is submission by applicants of a qualification certificate in respect of the operation, category of animal and, where appropriate, type of equipment for which a certificate is sought (regulation 8(a)(i) of the principal regulations). The definition of “qualification certificate” includes a certificate granted by a body recognised and regulated by the Scottish Qualifications Authority which oversees the training and assessment of persons carrying out the killing of animals and related operations confirming the passing of an independent examination (regulation 2(1) of the principal regulations).

Regulation 2(2) amends the definition of “qualification certificate” to include certificates granted by bodies recognised and regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation.

Regulation 2(3) amends the national rule set out in paragraph 6 of Schedule 1 to allow poll stunning of water buffalo.

A business and regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact on the private, voluntary or public sectors is foreseen.