The Scottish SPCA is urging the Scottish Government to introduce a pet 'permitted' or positive list – a new law that would ban most pet animals.
Our film, DON’T PET ME, examines what these bans mean in practice, including warnings from animal-care professionals about harming animal welfare, underground keeping, reduced veterinary access, added strain on rescue services, and increased illegal wildlife trade.
Featuring:
• Tony Wigley (RRK, The Pet Charity, REPTA) on why positive lists fail in practice.
• Svein Fosså (European Pet Organization, NZB) on Norway’s 1977 reptile and amphibian ban and what followed.
• Dr Martin Singheiser (BNA) on the lack of evidence behind positive lists.
• Scottish breeders and keepers Chris Hogg and Lisa Birrell, responding to claims in the campaign document, which appear to link low incomes and neurodivergence to poor welfare.
Watch, then comment: Should Scotland impose a positive-list ban, or enforce existing laws and improve standards through keeper education?
Responsible Reptile Keeping is a worldwide membership organisation that promotes good reptile welfare and responsible keeping, and we challenge the stories broadcast by anti-reptile-keeping campaigners. If you’d like to support our work, please consider becoming a member and sharing our content as widely as possible.
