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Scottish Countryside Alliance response to Hunting with Dogs Licensing Review 2026

Written by Scottish Countryside Alliance | Jul 24, 2026 12:11:08 PM

NatureScot is carrying out a review of the Hunting with Dogs licensing scheme, and they want to hear your views. They have now launched a consultation so that stakeholders can have their say and we’re urging everyone to take this opportunity to express their thoughts on the licensing process.

The Scottish Countryside Alliance submitted our response to this consultation on 23 July, which can be viewed here. Our response is intended to support members and supporters in preparing and submitting their own responses to NatureScot's consultation. The consultation is very straightforward to complete, with the following questions:

  1. Have you applied for a hunting with dogs licence? (Yes/No answer)
  2. Please enter any comments you have regarding the Hunting with Dogs licensing scheme that you would like us to take into consideration. (Text response)

It is essential that as many of our members and supporters as possible submit responses. A strong level of participation will help ensure that NatureScot is fully informed about the operation of the Hunting with Dogs licensing scheme, including the issues that have arisen and the improvements that are needed. Broad engagement will strengthen the case for meaningful changes to the scheme.

The consultation is running from 13 July to 24 August, so please respond as soon as possible before the closing date.

If you have any queries about this review, you can contact the NatureScot Licensing team by email: Licensing@nature.scot or by phone: 01463 725364

If you have any queries regarding our response to this consultation, please contact jake-swindells@countryside-alliance.org.