A FORMER Largs vet is leading the fight to change Scots law and make it a legal requirement to have CCTV in abattoirs,

Melissa Donald, who used to run the Oaks Veterinary Centre with husband Kenneth, told the News that it was a massive step forward for animal welfare.

Melissa, who is the Scottish Branch president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) welcomed the announcement that Scottish legislation is to be brought forward to make CCTV mandatory in all areas of abattoirs where live animals are present.

In a statement made to the Scottish Parliament, Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon announced plans to introduce legislation in 2019. The vast majority of respondents to a recent Scottish Government consultation backed the new measures.

England brought legislation into force in 2018 making CCTV compulsory in all abattoirs.

CCTV is not yet mandatory in Welsh abattoirs, although the Welsh Assembly has introduced a funding package to help smaller sites with installation costs.

Responding to the announcement, Mrs Donald said: “This is a huge win for animal health and welfare.

"While it is positive that eight out of ten Scottish abattoirs already have CCTV, introducing legislation ensures consistency across the board and will help to keep welfare standards high at all stages of the supply chain.

"Official Veterinarians in Scottish abattoirs will be able to use CCTV as a complement to their welfare monitoring and also have unrestricted access to footage so that they can identify and resolve any breaches in regulation effectively.

“This new legislation will help to reassure consumers that Scottish meat is slaughtered to the highest standards and keep confidence high at a crucial time.

"Now that Scotland has taken this important step, we hope that governments in Wales and Northern Ireland will follow suit and explore the merits of future legislation for animal welfare, public health, food safety and future trade.”

Melissa will be continuing her high profile role as Scottish Branch President until May.

A Glasgow Veterinary School graduate, Melissa worked as a production animal vet at Iowa State University in the USA for three years before coming to Largs. Over the course of 25 years, Melissa and her husband, Kenny, a farmer, developed the practice with branches in Saltcoats and Kilwinning.

Melissa has been involved with BVA for many years prior to joining the BVA Scottish Branch team two years ago as Junior Vice President. and is also a past President of Ayrshire Veterinary Association.

The former Largs veterinary surgeon has been involved with the BVA in successfully pushing for the use of electric shock collars and other electronic training devices to be banned for dogs.

Melissa and Ken were also central to bringing the National Sheepdog Trials to West Kilbride last year, which was broadcast on BBC Alba.