Irresponsible dog ownership

Latest News

News: Report highlights Government's failings on dogs

• A Government committee (EFRA) has released a report on dog control and welfare. The RSPCA welcome suggestions including consolidation of dog legislation and tighter limits on dog breeding. However, there is grave concern at the recommendation that more types of dog be added to the list of banned breeds. Read more about our stance on this issue...

News: Government announce compulsory microchipping for dogs in England. 

• Finally, after the first public consultation two and a half years ago and 22 years since ineffective Dangerous Dogs Act was rushed through Parliament, the Westminster Government have announced its proposals aimed at tackling welfare and irresponsible dog ownership. But was it worth the wait? See our response here.

The Issue

Irresponsible dog owners allow their dogs to foul, stray or even encourage them to be aggressive or attack people or other animals. Dogs who have irresponsible owners are very often victims of cruelty and neglect themselves. To encourage them to be aggressive, dogs may suffer violence at the hands of cruel owners.

 

The RSPCA has seen dogs with broken bones, animals covered in burns and even dogs attacked with glass bottles.

 

Urgent action is needed! 

We're concerned that Government proposals merely scratch the surface and that dogs will continue to suffer at the hands of irresponsible owners.

What we're campaiging for:

• For it to be an offence not to keep microchip details up to date (as is the case with cars)
• For microchip details to be considered legal proof of ‘ownership’ of a dog
• For more emphasis placed to be placed on prevention and early intervention, such as dog control notices
• The abolition or phasing out of breed specific legislation
• For enforcement bodies to be given greater discretion on the need to seize dogs in the first place
• For changes to be made to reduce the welfare impact on seized kenneled dogs.

How can I help?

Please sign the petition urging the Government to go further to tackle this spiralling problem. Click the button to take action!