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Originally Posted by EddieLizzard
What was the given reason for the ban? What are your grounds for protesting against it?
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Eddie.. the ban is part of secondary legislation associated with the new Animal Welfare Act concerning "mutilations".
This legislation states:
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From 6 April 2007 in England, and 28 March in Wales, the mutilation of animals is banned under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, with certain exemptions set out in Regulations. “Mutilation” covers any procedure that involves interference with the sensitive tissues or bone structure of an animal other than for therapeutic purposes (medical treatment).
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De scenting is a non-medical alteration to the "sensitive tissues" and as such has been banned (along with the cosmetic docking of tails and cropping of ears on dogs for example).
The legislation also states:
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Certain procedures are exempt from the ban because of long-term welfare or management benefits.
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It is hoped that descenting of skunks may be added to a list of exemptions as there ARE welfare benefits to having descenting skunks. A primary example would be that there are very few UK vets that will work with skunks that have not been descented. My current vet will.. but most will not.
This particular issue is my biggest concern and the main reason I would like to see descenting become exempt under the AWA, though reasons vary between keepers.
16-11-2007, 01:29 PM
Petition to allow Descenting of Skunks
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