A LOCAL business owner is leading a push for new laws governing the pet industry.

Christina O'Donnell, who owns Pawsitively Purrfect in Port Glasgow, says there is too little regulation to protect both animals and those working in the sector.

While legislation exists covering welfare, particularly when it comes to breeding, other areas – including dog grooming, boarding and walking – are still largely unregulated.

Christina, who has been running Pawsitively Purrfect since 2017, says that needs to change - and has enlisted local MSP Stuart McMillan to push her case in parliament.

She said: “When I started my business I was shocked at how few questions I was asked.

“Groomers aren’t regulated - anyone can become one – and dog walking, pet sitting, and boarding are all not regulated enough.

"There should be standards to offer protection for people in the industry."

The Port businesswoman says animal lovers have shared their bad experiences and concerns with her, which motivated her to push for change.

Christina said: “Some of the stories I have heard scare me.

“One woman said she was walking locally and could see 35 dogs around a dog walker and not that many people with them.

“It’s waiting for disaster to happen.

“There should be regulated limits.

“We have legislation for childcare but pets get treated differently despite being like family to those that own them.”

Prior to meeting a government minister, Christina contacted MSP Mr McMillan, who helped bring the issue to the table at Holyrood.

He said: “I support Christina’s calls for the pet services sector to be regulated in Scotland.

“You wouldn’t put your child into nursery without knowing it was regulated, and you wouldn’t place a loved one into the care of a nursing home without it also being regulated.

"I think pet owners would welcome knowing groomers, boarders and dog walkers were regulated.”

Mairi Gougeon, the rural affairs secretary for the Scottish Government visited Christina's business to talk about the changes she is campaigning for.

Ms Gougeon said: “Scotland is a nation of pet lovers and Christina, like me, is passionate about ensuring the highest possible levels of care and protection for dogs.

“Last year we introduced new licensing legislation to tackle issues around pet welfare - specifically puppy breeding - and we are now looking to extend this legislation to a number of other areas, including dog grooming and walking, to ensure the best possible standards are being met in these areas.

“We will be launching a consultation on these proposals next year and I’d urge everyone with an interest to take part.”