Professor Cathy Dwyer named chair of Scotland's new Animal Welfare Commission

The first members of Scotland’s new Animal Welfare Commission have been appointed, with Professor Cathy Dwyer from Scotland’s Rural College named as its chair.

The 12 members of the commission, appointed for the next four years, will provide scientific and ethical advice to the Scottish Government on matters related to animal welfare.

The members will advise ministers on how the welfare needs of sentient animals are being met by devolved policy, as well suggesting possible changes, legislative or otherwise, that could improve their treatment.

Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon said: “I am delighted to appoint these experts to work with Professor Dwyer and I very much look forward to working closely with them. Each member of the Animal Welfare Commission shares a passion for animal welfare and brings invaluable key skills and knowledge.

“Scotland has high standards when it comes to animal welfare and this commission will play an important role in strengthening and improving the protection we offer to animals.

“The commission will specifically consider how our current policies take account of animal sentience, the wider welfare needs of animals and what improvements could be made.”

The members are:

• Professor Cathy Dwyer from Scotland’s Rural College and the University of Edinburgh (Chair)

• Dr Harvey Carruthers, veterinary surgeon

• Mike Radford, lawyer specialising in Animal Welfare

• Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust

• Professor Marie Haskell, Professor in Animal Welfare Science at Scotland’s Rural College

• Dr James Yeates, Chief Executive Officer of Cats Protection

• Libby Anderson, policy advisor to OneKind

• Dr Simon Girling, Head of Veterinary Services, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

• Mike Flynn, Chief Superintendent at the Scottish SPCA

• Dr Pete Goddard, veterinary surgeon

• Professor Tim Parkin, Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology, University of Glasgow

• Dr Andrew Kitchener, Principal Curator of Vertebrates at the National Museum of Scotland