Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Written evidence submitted by Animal Wardens Ltd

Animal Wardens

We get involved with 25,000 found, lost, straying, abandoned, dumped and dangerous dogs each year.

Dogs Deserve Better

We believe as a principle: dog ownership should carry enforceable responsibilities that are enforced by Government Agencies who have a duty to do so. These Government agencies should finance the enforcement and education actives from a statutory licence fee.

1 Dog Control

Are the approaches proposed by Defra in its announcement on “Tackling Irresponsible Dog Ownership” on 23 April 2012 sufficient to ensure that there is a reduction in the number of attacks by dogs on people and animals?

We do not believe they are sufficient as the measures are punitive rather than preventative. Though we accept punitive measures go some way to prevent offences, we believe in this instance it will have little effect in reducing the number of attacks.

In particular:

(a) Is there a need for a more fundamental overhaul of dog legislation, and its enforcement, including that relating to dog attacks on people, livestock and pets?

We believe that a co-ordinated strategic approach is necessary and the civil offence on livestock and pets should be made criminal. Legislation needs updating and simplifying.

(b) Is sufficient action being taken on pets raised as status dogs to ensure their welfare and reduce their impact on communities?

We believe that sufficient action is not being taken, education on pet ownership should be part of the national curriculum (citizenship).

(c) Will compulsory microchipping of puppies improve dog welfare and help prevent dog attacks at an affordable cost to dog owners? Should a dog licensing scheme also be considered?

Compulsory microchipping will not help prevent dog attacks, just make enforcement easier. A dog licensing scheme should be introduced to finance enforcement and a duty on agencies—not just a power.

(d) Should the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 be extended to include offences committed on private property?

Yes—No where should be exempt (not even the home).

e) Are Defra’s proposals for wider community and educational approaches to support responsible dog ownership sufficiently ambitious?

No—They cannot be described as ambitious.

f) Do local authorities, the police and animal welfare charities have the right roles in managing stray dogs under the current legislative regime?

Yes in principle but too many grey areas in the overlap, a responsibility on the statutory authorities should be reinforced to a duty. Legislation needs updating and simplifying.

2 Dog Welfare

In respect to concerns expressed in Professor Bateson’s report over poor welfare that has arisen in the course of breeding dogs:

(a) Has the response by dog breeders and the veterinary profession been effective?

No—The response has been to slow.

(b) What actions should Government take to address these issues?

We believe an effective code of practice should be introduced under the Animal Welfare Act.

(c) Are further controls required on dog breeders, including puppy farms, and those selling or importing dogs to ensure the welfare of bitches and puppies? 

Yes—We believe strongly that dogs are still suffering from overproduction by humans.

June 2012