New petition demands overhaul of dog laws

Joining forces to tackle irresponsible dog ownership 

22.11.11

A new petition has been launched by leading animal welfare charities, the veterinary profession and trade unions calling on the government to deliver on its assurances and overhaul dog laws.

The 20 organisations – including the RSPCA, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Dogs Trust, The Blue Cross, the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) – are urging the government to introduce new legislation in the Queen’s 2012 Speech.

We need at least 100,000 signatures

If 100,000 people sign the petition on the Prime Minister's official website, it could force a House of Commons debate.

So please sign and share the online petition today at:

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22631
 

Current dog laws are dated and inadequate

Despite last year's consultation on dangerous dogs by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), and assurances from Prime Minister David Cameron to discuss the topic, the government has failed to address what the organisations all agree is inadequate legislation that does not adequately protect the public, worker safety and animal welfare.

Some of the proposed changes

The petition demands that the government brings forward a Bill in the Queen's Speech next year that:

• tightens up the law through consolidating and updating dog control legislation
   
• addresses the shortcomings of Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) and instead makes dog owners responsible for their pet's behaviour
   
• covers all places including private property to ensure better public safety and animal welfare
   
• requires permanent identification of dogs such as microchipping
   
• is better funded so that the law can be adequately enforced and improvements put into practice
   
• is effectively communicated to the public through education and engagement as a means of prevention and to encourage responsible dog ownership.

Benefits of new dog law

It is hoped a new Bill would:

• have a greater preventative effect by focussing on owner responsibility
   
• give greater flexibility and discretion to enforcers and the courts
   
• enhance dog welfare.

Prevention rather than cure will save money

The organisations behind the petition believe the current enforcement costs to the public purse are unsustainable and new approaches are needed that prevent incidents. This would save money in the short and long term.
 

---

Please sign the petition today!

Please help us reach the 100,000 signatures required to achieve the debate in the House of Commons.

And once you have signed, please share the e-petition with your friends and family.

Sign the petition 

Add your voice to our animal welfare campaigns

You can join in the debate about irresponsible dog ownership and keep up-to-date with our animal welfare campaigns at:

www.giveanimalsavoice.org.uk
 

---

Organisations behind the petition include: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, The Blue Cross, British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), British Veterinary Association (BVA), Communication Workers Union (CWU), Dogs Trust, GMB, The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM), The Kennel Club, National Dog Warden Association (NDWA), Police Federation, Prospect, Royal Mail Group, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), RSPCA, UNISON, Union of Shop - Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw), Unite, Wood Green - The Animals Charity.