Mike Radford

Mr Radford, who was awarded an OBE in 2008 for services to animal welfare law, is a reader at Aberdeen University School of Law.

He joins 11 others on the new commission, chaired by Professor Cathy Dwyer from Scotland’s Rural College and the University of Edinburgh, which will provide scientific and ethical advice to the Scottish Government.

The group will consider how the welfare needs of sentient animals are being met by devolved policy; possible legislative and non-legislative routes to further protect the welfare of sentient animals; and the research required for an evidence base for future policy development.

Rural Affairs Minister Mairi Gougeon said: “I am delighted to appoint these experts to work with Professor Dwyer and I very much look forward to working closely with them. Each member of the Animal Welfare Commission shares a passion for animal welfare and brings invaluable key skills and knowledge.

“Scotland has high standards when it comes to animal welfare and this Commission will play an important role in strengthening and improving the protection we offer to animals.

“The Commission will specifically consider how our current policies take account of animal sentience, the wider welfare needs of animals and what improvements could be made.”

Professor Dwyer added: “We have been able to appoint a really strong Commission covering a range of different disciplines and areas of expertise. I am looking forward to working closely with these experts to be able to make a real difference to the welfare of animals in Scotland.

“There are lots of challenges ahead, but we have the right team to be able to tackle these, and we are looking forward to getting started.”