The Scottish SPCA is calling on the Scottish Government to show they care about the nation’s animals by committing to producing a dedicated animal welfare strategy.
The findings of this year’s Animal Kindness Index paint a clear picture – the Scottish public care deeply about animal welfare. The annual survey, originally launched in 2022 and produced by the RSPCA, Scottish SPCA and USPCA, is conducted by YouGov to explore the UK public’s attitudes towards animals and understand what people value most. This year, 1,603 Scottish adults took part – the largest Scottish sample since the survey was founded.
It found that animal welfare is the second biggest issue for people in Scotland, just behind mental health, underlining that the public view animal welfare as a mainstream national concern.
Following the launch of the Scottish SPCA’s manifesto: Animal’s Count: Make Them Matter, back in November, support has continued to grow for the charity’s four asks – with over 85% backing each.
Urging policymakers to “catch up”
A staggering 93% of Scottish adults back the animal welfare organisation’s call for a National Animal Offenders Register, which would help to tackle repeat offending, safeguard animals and prevent them from further suffering.
Backing is also strong for an update to the current Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, with 90% of Scots wanting to see more modern and updated legislation for animals. 80% want to see animal welfare education embedded into the Scottish curriculum and 89% back the introduction of a ‘permitted list’ of exotic animals that can legally be kept as pets.
While public support for animal welfare in Scotland is at an all-time high, there is a significant gap between what the public want to see, and the limited attention given to animal welfare by politicians. 66% of Scots see the Scottish Government as being responsible for animal welfare – yet it’s not an issue currently at the forefront of their agenda.
With the new Scottish Parliament in place, the Scottish SPCA is urging policymakers to “catch up” and strengthen their commitment to animal welfare.
Mark Bishop, Chief Executive at the Scottish SPCA, said: “The results from this year’s Animal Kindness Index are clear – the public want to see a lot more done for Scotland’s animals and it is time that we see that reflected in policy.
“Animal welfare is not a niche issue – it is connected to the health of our communities, public safety, education, housing, mental wellbeing and the environment. The way we treat animals says a great deal about the kind of society we want to build.
We all have a collective responsibility
“That is why we are calling on the Scottish Government to commit to introducing an all-animal welfare strategy for Scotland as they embark on a new parliamentary term. England, Northern Ireland and Wales all have dedicated all-animal health and welfare strategies – so why is Scotland falling behind?
“Animal welfare does not exist in isolation. It reaches into every corner of Scottish life, and we all have a collective responsibility, including policymakers, to ensure no animal is left to suffer.”
Other key findings include:
- Scottish adults express stronger opposition to a number of harmful practices – including shock collars, animals in racing, and keeping wild animals as pets – than the rest of the UK.
- Support for Firework Control Zones (FCZ) is higher in Scotland (86%) than in the rest of the UK (80%).
- 93% of Scots think it’s important that we protect wildlife.
- 44% of Scottish adults say that stopping the illegal puppy trade is the most important animal welfare issue to them, closely followed by ending harmful dog breeding practices (43%).
Animals should be better protected
Mark added: “What we are now seeing is a significant gap between that public expectation and the little attention being given to animal welfare by those leading our country. I hope that with a new parliament in place, it will become an issue at the centre of the political agenda. The public care, so now we need all new and returning MSPs to show they care too through committing to the delivery of an animal welfare strategy.
“If we work together, we all can make Scotland the best place in the world for an animal to call home.”
Overall, the 2026 Animal Kindness Index highlighted that the UK remains a nation that cares significantly about animal welfare, with a growing recognition of animal sentience and a clear expectation that animals should be better protected through stronger legislation and education.
At the same time, it showcased that this strength of feeling is not always matched by confidence or capacity to act, with uncertainty and cost pressures carrying major influence. 75% of UK pet owners state that the cost of looking after their animal in the past year has become more expensive, according to the survey. Pet food and veterinary care have also become increasingly expensive, with 18% worried about being able to afford to feed their pet and 56% concerned about being able to afford their pet’s vet bills.
Show your support
Want to see a Scotland that is dedicated to animal welfare and committed to tackling animal abuse and neglect? Read our full Manifesto and sign our petition to show your support.
