Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Written evidence submitted by the Companion Animal Welfare Council
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?
Yes.
Is sufficient action being taken on pets raised as status dogs to ensure their welfare and reduce their impact on communities?
No.
Will compulsory microchipping of puppies improve dog welfare and help prevent dog attacks at an affordable cost to dog owners?
Yes, microchipping is likely to improve welfare, provided that the database is managed centrally and the puppies are microchipped before they leave the breeder, as it is essential that all puppies can be traced back to the breeder. The cost of microchipping is born by the breeder/owner and the prices charged range from zero (eg if subsidised by animal charities) to £40. If the cost was set appropriately, it should be possible to provide the financial support required to run an efficient scheme at no cost to Government. The design of the chip and the site for implantation need to minimise the risk of chip migration within the animal. Suitable microchips exist and are widely used already, as are guidelines on suitable implantation sites.
Should a dog licensing scheme also be considered?
No. The combination of a registration/licensing system for breeders and effective permanent identification by means of a microchip will be sufficient.
Should the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 be extended to include offences committed on private property?
Yes and Government should take the opportunity to identify problems associated with the deed, rather than the breed.
Are Defra’s proposals for wider community and educational approaches to support responsible dog ownership sufficiently ambitious?
No, there needs to be a publicity campaign involving all the bodies with dog welfare concerns. Education about animal welfare should be included in the school curriculum and should start with primary school children. Publicity about responsible dog ownership will need to be maintained.
Do local authorities, the police and animal welfare charities have the right roles in managing stray dogs under the current legislative regime?
Mostly, but for a variety of reasons, largely relating to lack of expertise and insufficient money, the system does not always work effectively. Training is important for the personnel involved. Some Local Authorities have expertise in this area and this should be shared among LAs.
Dog Welfare
In respect to concerns expressed in Professor Bateson’s report over poor welfare that has arisen in the course of breeding dogs:
(i) Has the response by dog breeders and the veterinary profession been effective?
Following the publication of its report in 2006 on “Breeding and Welfare in Companion Animals”, CAWC has continued to take a close interest in the subject of genetic welfare of dogs. There have been a variety of new initiatives and efforts* to help address these problems and it is hoped that these will be effective in time in improving the genetic health of dogs. To reduce the prevalence of many of the genetic welfare problems that occur will take time. It is probably too early to try to judge the overall efficacy of the recent efforts.
*New initiatives include:
The establishment of the Advisory Council on Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding (http://dogadvisorycouncil.org.uk/), the establishment of the BVA AWF/RSPCA Puppy Contract scheme (http://puppycontract.rspca.org.uk/home), the development of the UFAW website to provide information on genetic welfare problems in companion animals (http://www.ufaw.org.uk/geneticwelfareproblems.php), the development of an advisory website for puppy buyers (www.dogbreedhealth.com), joint BVA/Kennel Club initiatives for testing for genetic diseases (eg http://www.bva.co.uk/atoz/1392.aspx; http://www.bva.co.uk/news/2742.aspx ) veterinary checks instituted by the Kennel Club for dogs at Crufts show this year (http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/4213).
It is unlikely that the concerns expressed have made any difference to irresponsible breeders. Responsible breeders will have paid attention to the concerns and addressed them where necessary and there should be an accurate way of identifying those who do a really good job. How best to do this needs to be carefully considered—the Advisory Council on Dog Breeding has addressed this.
The veterinary profession has a very important role to play in tackling genetic welfare problems.
What actions should Government take to address these issues?
The Government should (through the Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding) monitor progress and be prepared to be responsive to requests for support for research and educational initiatives in topics of major animal welfare importance in this field.
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. The present situation makes it easy for people to breed large numbers of puppies, both in the UK and abroad, in inadequate or appalling conditions. Border controls should be better. All breeders should be registered, the breeding standard produced by the Advisory Council should be followed and a puppy contract issued for each owner of a new puppy. A public education campaign should address how best to inform and educate breeders and dog owners for life.
June 2012