Dog in a field

20.02.13

If you live in Wales, you have until St David’s Day (1 March) to let the Welsh Government know that you support the Control of Dogs (Wales)Bill.


The consultation on the new bill lays out the Welsh Government’s plans to tackle irresponsible dog ownership in Wales.


Irresponsible dog ownership

Irresponsible dog ownership can be anything from an owner letting a dog stray and foul, or not dealing with aggressive or other inappropriate behaviour towards other dogs, animals or people.


RSPCA Cymru is urging the Welsh public to respond to the consultation – which marks a big step forward on these issues, and also to make a few additional constructive suggestions that will benefit dog welfare - before 1 March.


Tina Reece, Political Campaigns Manager for RSPCA Cymru, said:

This consultation closes within two weeks and it’s vital that people living in Wales make themselves heard and support dog welfare.

RSPCA Cymru is very supportive of this new measure, although we would like to see the legislation strengthened by introducing mandatory microchipping and a compulsory dog registration scheme.

A strong programme of education and public awareness-raising is also needed, especially directed towards families and children; legislation alone is incapable of preventing many of the attacks that happen each year.


A recent poll showed that 84 per cent of the public in Wales support proposals to legislate on dangerous dogs and irresponsible owners, as well as 82 per cent supporting an annual compulsory dog registration scheme.


Make a difference for dogs

Because dogs can't help who their owners are.