Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Written evidence submitted by Mandy Dumont

1. Compulsory microchipping and licenses for all dogs similar to horse passports. Paid for initially by breeder or rescue centre with contact details for breeder/rescue as well as owner. Details MUST be updated with any change of ownership. Reduced fee for renewals with proof of neutering to discourage breeding. Microchip and/or license MUST be proof of ownership. All dogs and ownership to be checked on first visit to any vet. Any legislation only effective if enforced so fines for non compliance. Owners and/or breeders responsible for the lifetime of a dog. Compulsory chipping should apply to all dogs as soon as possible not just puppies.

2. No sale of puppies through third parties ie dealers or pet shops. Puppies should only be sold from where they are born or a bona fide rescue. This would have a massive impact on puppy farming. Puppies should not be transported across the country with all the stress and risk of infection from this. Education about always seeing a puppy with its mother has not worked so legislation is necessary.

3. Councils should ensure that licensed breeders follow their license conditions. A yearly inspection if the breeder has been warned beforehand is not sufficient. Anyone breeding too many dogs without a license should be fined.

4. No commercial importation of dogs from abroad. Puppies are now coming in from Eastern Europe for pet shops or sale in lay-bys. How long before rabies is also imported?

5. Ban online or newspaper advertising of dogs and puppies. Far too many people breeding dogs purely for profit with no concern for temperament, health or welfare. This is adding to all the dogs in rescue and being destroyed daily. Dogs are also stolen and sold on.

6. It is much too easy to get a dog nowadays and they are seen by too many people as an easy come easy go option. People should be made aware that a dog is a lifetime commitment.

7. Repeal the Dangerous Dogs Act. This has not worked as regards pit bulls. Dogs should not be seized or destroyed purely on looks or a tape measure. Action should be taken on out of control dangerous dogs that are actually causing a problem including serious attacks on other dogs.

June 2012