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Scottish Herpetile Caring Laws Under Siege
Updated: 6 hours ago
The SSPCA, OneKind, and Born Free have proposed a pet-friendly "white list" to influence the Scottish Government into making ground-breaking legislation.
In Scotland, the exact number of exotic pet owners remains a mystery. Unlike the Dangerous Wildlife Animal (DWA) licence, which registers your appearance upon obtaining it, private keepers are not documented.
Currently, there are nine local authorities that issue licences, 14 registered DWA keepers in Scotland, and 255 animals under these licences.
What Are "White Lists"?
White lists, or positive lists, name specific animals that are permitted to be cared for in our homes. Any animals not on the list will be banned from trade or keeping. While an animal is on the list, individuals must show evidence of good animal welfare in their households as part of the law.
The SSPCA states that a permitted list would:
• Prevent animal suffering
• Educate owners
• Reduce pressure on rescues
• Improve public safety
• Provide a clear, enforceable system
Why Now?
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Groups have determined that a review of this dated legislation is necessary. With the local UK elections passing in May 2026, there is an emphasis on persuading parties and politicians with new legislative ideas.
According to this year's SSPCA manifesto, by July 2025:
"Calls to give up pets had risen by almost 20%;
Over 44,000 pet meals had been provided to struggling owners through our Pet Aid initiative;
17,000+ rescue jobs had been completed;
More than 7,400 investigations had been conducted."
"Don't Pet Me" is an ongoing campaign that started in May 2025. Born Free is one of the main charities promoting this campaign. They state on their website that they are:
"calling on the Scottish Government to introduce tighter regulations around the trade in and keeping of wild animals as pets, leading the way within the UK."
Reports have been made by the above charities to support their claims of dwindling animal welfare and unethical pet trading in Scotland.
Opposing Camps
Responsible Reptile Keeping (RRK) and the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) are the main counterbalances to this argument. The community of Scottish private carers and exotic pet shops also opposes the lists. This industry is the livelihood of many people in Scotland.
Tony Wigley from RRK states that animal rights campaigners:
"aim to stop us (the public) from keeping them because they don't agree with it...
"They overemphasise the risk of reptiles becoming invasive and do this to scaremonger politicians and legislators into creating overreaching legislation."
On the RRK website, they argue:
"Despite the claims of lobbyists, there is no evidence base showing that positive lists lead to better outcomes. There has been a woeful lack of scientific rigour when constructing lists of allowed species. Decisions about which species to allow and which to ban are often ideological and poorly evidenced, creating laws that lack scientific foundations and a regulatory overreach that is impossible to enforce."
OATA states on their website:
"We believe education, not pet bans, is the key to happier and healthier pets and their owners. Help us to spread the word to politicians that they should say no to pet bans and positive lists and look at ways to improve pet owner education."
Finding Common Ground
There is more independent research being conducted on the exotic pet trade and pet-keeping industry in Scotland by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission. They will release their report by the end of this year.
The Importance of Collaboration
As the debate continues, it's crucial for all parties to engage in open dialogue. Collaboration can lead to better outcomes for both pets and their owners. By working together, we can ensure that animal welfare remains a priority while also respecting the rights of responsible pet owners.
Looking Ahead
The future of exotic pet ownership in Scotland hangs in the balance. With proposed changes to legislation, it's essential to stay informed and involved. Whether you're a pet owner, a researcher, or a conservationist, your voice matters. The outcome of this discussion will shape the landscape of pet ownership for years to come.
In conclusion, the proposed "white list" could bring significant changes to how exotic pets are kept in Scotland. It's a complex issue that requires careful consideration and input from all stakeholders.
Let's hope for a resolution that prioritises animal welfare above all else.
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