Memorandum submitted by the National Dog
Warden Association (NDWA)
The NDWA was formed in 1988 to allow people
who carried out the function of Dog Warden to meet and share experiences
and ideas. Since then, the function of the Dog Warden has evolved
and the NDWA has evolved with it. The NDWA is represented on The
Pet Advisory Committee, The Companion Animal Welfare Council,
The Dog Legislation Advisory Group and many others. The NDWA membership
is now in excess of 200 across the country.
The NDWA welcomes the publication of the Draft
Animal Welfare Bill and recognises the need to clarify and improve
the existing outdated legislation.
COMMENTS ON
SECTIONS OF
THE DRAFT
BILL
Clause 1
We welcome the reformation of the offence and
inclusion of the definition of cruelty.
Clause 2
We welcome the inclusion of the increased range
of offences in relation to dog fighting.
Clause 3
We welcome the duty of care for animal owners/keepers,
and appreciate that this will improve the quality of life for
many animals. We do feel however that a clearer definition of
welfare should be included.
Clause 4 and 5
We welcome these clauses.
Clause 6
We welcome the provisions of this clause and
that secondary legislation can be introduced.
Clause 7-10
We support the concept of the codes of practice
and appreciate their role in developing best practice.
Clause 11-14
We welcome the increased range of enforcement
powers. We are concerned regarding the resources that will be
made available to Local Authorities for enforcement and administration
of the Act and any further regulations made under it.
Clause 15
Measures must be taken to ensure that all enforcement
bodies carry out their duties and enforcement of the Act in a
consistent manner and are all trained/experienced to a suitable
standard.
Clause 16
We welcome this clause.
Clause 17
We welcome the powers for the courts to dispose
of animals, preventing needless long term care which may be to
the detriment of the animals' welfare.
Clause 21-23
We welcome this clause but feel that the eight
day window in which to bring charges should be increased.
REGULATORY IMPACT
ASSESSMENT
Paragraph 36
We do not accept that there will be no increase
to Local Government expenditure. Additional regulations lead to
additional enforcement costs. Carrying out less regular inspections
will not significantly reduce costs. In addition we do not believe
that extending the period between inspections will have anything
but a negative impact on animal welfare.
CONCLUSION
The NDWA welcome the Draft Bill and believe
that with proper and consistent enforcement from Local Authorities
and with the correct, adequate funding from the Government the
overall welfare animals will be greatly improved. We would have
liked to have commented in more depth but unfortunately due to
the time constraint were unable.
25 August 2004
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