Scotland: the two-dog framework and NatureScot licensing

Key facts

Current principal Act

Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023 [source]

The 2023 Act replaced the earlier framework

NatureScot’s current hunting-dog resource explains the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act 2023, which repealed the 2002 legislation. The Act prohibits hunting a wild mammal with a dog unless an exception applies and gives different dog limits to its exceptions. NatureScot lists two dogs for several above-ground activities and one for the below-ground fox-management exception. It also explains the separate trail-hunting prohibition and the lawful-purpose training exception. The resource is therefore specific to Scotland’s framework; an English exemption summary or an account written under the former Scottish Act describes a different legal setting.

The licence tests concern purpose and alternatives

NatureScot can license more than two dogs for management of wild mammals above ground or for environmental benefit. Its guidance describes an individual assessment of a valid licensable purpose and whether another effective solution exists. Environmental-benefit applications additionally need the relevant scheme or plan and contribution to significant or lasting benefit. The agency says it permits only the minimum number of dogs it considers effective. This creates a reasoned licensing pathway, rather than a general pack entitlement. The application guidance and proposed site information explain what evidence is relevant to the decision.

Conditions, returns and the 2026 review

The licensing resource supplies application, amendment, renewal and return pathways. A renewal is an assessment process, and licence holders must provide the returns required by their conditions. NatureScot’s October 2026 review discusses the third year of licensing, including evidence about other solutions, compliance monitoring and dog-handler control. It also says the Act does not specify or prohibit particular dog breeds under licence. That distinction prevents a breed name from being mistaken for authorisation. The issued document’s places, dates, dog limit and operational conditions remain the practical record of the licensed activity, alongside the underlying statutory exception.

Common questions

Sources & further reading

References for this guide. Rules and services can change; check the responsible organisation for current details.

• NatureScot: current licensing framework (opens in a new tab)
• NatureScot: applicant guidance (opens in a new tab)
• NatureScot: 2026 licensing review (opens in a new tab)

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