The Protection of Animals (Anaesthetics) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2003
This Order amends paragraph 6 of the First Schedule to the Protection of Animals (Anaesthetics) Act 1954. It reduces the age beyond which castration of pigs may not be performed without anaesthetic. Under this Order, castration may only be performed before the animal has reached the age of 8 days, as opposed to 4 weeks. This amendment is necessitated by the changes made by the Welfare of Farmed Animals (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2003, implementing Council Directive 2001/88/EC (O.J. No. L 316, 1.12.2001, p.1) and Commission Directive 2001/93/EC (O.J. No. L 316 1.12.2001 p.36), which amend the Welfare of Farmed Animals (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (S.S.I. 2000/442 as amended by S.S.I. 2002/334), setting out requirements applying to the keeping of pigs. The amending Regulations include a similar provision relating to the castration of pigs.