We Want to Introduce a ‘Permitted List’
Introduce a ‘Permitted List’ of animals that can legally be kept as pets. That’s what we’re campaigning for and you can help.
What we’re campaigning for
Many wild and exotic animals are kept as pets in Scotland. They are often in environments that fail to meet their complex needs such as poor housing, lack of social interaction, inadequate diets, and limited ability to express natural behaviours result in widespread suffering. We are asking for a permitted list of animals that can legally be kept as pets. The only animals listed will be those who can have their full needs met in a home environment in Scotland.
Why we’re campaigning
At present, access to these animals is too easy, with inconsistent care advice, and a shortage of specialist vets. This often leads to abandonment, repeated rehoming, and unfair pressure on rescue centres. Some species can also pose risks to public health and safety. A permitted list would:
- Prevent animal suffering
- Educate owners
- Reduce pressure on rescues
- Improve public safety
- Provide a clear, enforceable system
It is a practical step towards protecting animals and promoting responsible pet ownership in Scotland.
How we will do this
Establish a taskforce of relevant stakeholders to tackle ease of acquisition, welfare risks and missing or inaccurate information and support creation of the permitted list. Identify and implement demand reduction strategies.
Steve the Marmoset’s Story
Why we need a Positive List for pets
I was called Steve. I lived alone in a small cage, in a busy living room that was never dark, never quiet. I could hear televisions, children shouting, doors slamming. I was fed marshmallows and crisps because they made me seem “happy.”
I wasn’t happy. I was stressed, underweight and constantly frightened.
Marmosets like me are wild animals. In our natural homes, we live in groups, communicate constantly, and roam freely through trees. We’re social, intelligent, and need space, diet, and light that match the rhythms of the rainforest, not a living room shelf.
When the Scottish SPCA found me, I was pacing the cage, over grooming my fur from stress. I was rescued, treated, and eventually transferred to a sanctuary that specialises in caring for monkeys. There, I finally met others of my kind. I have been given the ability to climb, play, and experienced things I’ve never have before — like choice.
A Positive List to protect animals like Steve
But there are more like me.
Across Scotland, people keep exotic species that can’t thrive in domestic settings, and often without understanding how complex our needs really are.
That’s why the Scottish SPCA is calling for a Positive List for pets, a simple, clear approach that allows only animals whose welfare needs can truly be met in a domestic environment, to be kept as pets. It’s not about taking pets away; it’s about preventing suffering before it begins.
I was lucky enough to be found. Many others aren’t.
What we’re asking candidates and political parties to do
We invite you to meet with us, hear the evidence behind our proposals, and explore how you can place animal welfare at the centre of your commitments. These are practical, achievable steps that will:
- Reduce animal abuse
- Strengthen enforcement
- Make Scotland safer and fairer for animals and people alike
What we’re asking Scotland to do
Use your voice for Scotland’s animals.
We are asking for Scotland’s support. You can do this by learning more about the issues we’re tackling, showing and sharing your support on social media, and adding your voice to the call for change.
Every conversation matters. Every show of support helps us make the case that animal welfare is not a luxury — it is essential to Scotland’s wellbeing.
Animals count in Scotland — Let’s make them count for something.
Support us from £5 a month
Every £1 helps us rescue, protect and advocate for Scotland’s animals.
