Chamber and committees

And do they have steps?

I have been asked to ask you what the basis is for the Government’s decision not to require mandatory housing at this time. However, I think that that is wrapped up in a whole load of other issues that relate to my curiosity about what is currently in place regarding the biosecurity measures that you are talking about. Have those measures been formalised in terms of zoning? Can you talk us through that and why you think that what is currently in place is sufficient in terms of what farmers are doing, considering what Karen Adam has just said? My colleague David Duguid has also been very concerned about what is happening in Aberdeenshire and, indeed, the prevalence of bird flu on the Moray Firth.

I have a really daft question for DC Telford. Have you ever been called out to a report that an animal has been ripped apart by more than two or three—or however many—dogs that are with a dog walker?

What kind of dogs do hare coursers use to chase hares?

I am slightly confused. I thought that Alex Hogg said that rough shooters would never go out with hounds. Would you ever use hounds?

What kinds of dog are taken on rough shoots? Who is in control of them? Are they in control?

The latest figures show that there were 100 prosecutions relating to hare coursing in Scotland. That figure is higher than I expected it to be, because I know that although there are a lot of reports, it is often not possible to prove that the offence of hare coursing has taken place.

I want to ask about the exception for a bird of prey killing

“as soon as reasonably possible”.

Is—

You made a point about lurchers. Would any other breed of dog be used?

It is your job to ensure that people who break the law are found guilty of doing so, and one of the reasons why the bill has been introduced is to aid the enforcement of hare coursing offences. That is stated categorically.

Is that based on evidence?