An SRUC professor has been appointed chair of Scotland’s first independent Animal Welfare Commission.

Prof Cathy Dwyer is joined by SRUC’s Prof Marie Haskell on the 12-person commission, whose members will provide scientific and ethical advice to the Scottish Government.

The group will consider:

Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon said: “I am delighted to appoint these experts to work with Prof. 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.

“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.”

Prof. Dwyer said: “We have been able to appoint a really strong Commission covering a range of different disciplines and areas of expertise. I am looking forward to working closely with these experts to be able to make a real difference to the welfare of animals in Scotland.

“There are lots of challenges ahead, but we have the right team to be able to tackle these, and we are looking forward to getting started.”

The Animal Welfare Commission members are:

Appointments to the Commission are for four years and members will receive no financial remuneration for their time.

Members were selected for appointment solely on the basis of their knowledge and expertise and will serve as individuals and not as representatives of any organisation.

A sentient animal is one that can experience feelings such as pain or pleasure.