Animal
Concern Factsheet
5 -
Dog
Control
In the
1980's there was a
growth in ownership
of powerful and potentially
dangerous dogs.
There were increased
reports of attacks
on people and animals
by dogs, increased
illegal use of dogs
in organised fighting
and baiting, and rising
cruelty to dogs through
neglect, abandonment
and abuse. In 1991
in response to public
concern the Government
rushed through the
badly-drafted and
ill-thought-out Dangerous
Dogs Act. Thousands
of innocent animals
have been destroyed
under this Act which
these proposals are
designed to replace.
Along with other animal
rights and welfare
organisations Animal
Concern has repeatedly
called for the introduction
of humane methods
to control dog ownership.
The following proposals
would greatly reduce
the risk of injury
from dogs, over-breeding
of dogs and cruelty
to dogs.
REGISTRATION: All dogs registered from the age of nine weeks on a central computer register. Each animal to carry a microchip implant carrying registration code giving details of owner and to wear a collar carrying same details on engraved disc. Annual fee would be set at £20 with half that payable by those on benefit. Fees could be waived or further reduced for pensioners. On registration all owners to be given a 'handbook' giving details of the requirements of their type of dog and their liabilities and duties as owners. This handbook to contain details of required vaccinations/worming treatments which must be given to the dog by due dates. Administration of required veterinary treatments to be logged in the handbook by qualified vet.
BREEDING: Any dog not. having been neutered would be regarded as a breeding animal and the owner would be required to hold a breeders certificate costing £200 per year. No person to be allowed to hold more than two breeding certificates. Should Government decide on elimination of any type of dog then breeding certificates could be refused for that type. Breeders who enhance negative traits or physically debilitating features in dogs would be banned from holding a Breeders Certificate.
NEUTERING: Fee's from breeding certificate scheme to be used to provide subsidised spay/neuter programme to reduce the number of unwanted dogs.
LEASH/MUZZLE: All dogs to be on a short leash when walked on public footpaths and other designated places such as children's play areas. Where feasible in town and city parks, local authorities would be obliged to provide fenced-off free exercise areas for dogs. Courts empowered to order muzzling in public of any specific dog shown to be of potential risk.
INSURANCE: Owners to hold third party insurance to cover risk of accident, damage or injury caused by their dog.
POLICING: Scheme would be self-funding and administered by either police, veterinary profession or RSPCA/SSPCA. Persons found guilty by courts of cruelty, neglect or abuse of their dog or endangering the public through inadequate control of their dog to risk a life ban on keeping of dogs, fine or imprisonment and rehoming or, if the animal is badly injured or dangerous, destruction order on the dog.
FOULING: It would be an offence to leave dog excrement in a public place and local authorities would be obliged to provide dog waste bins on streets, in public parks and other amenity areas. These bins could be sponsored and carry advertising from local vets, pet supply stores, animal welfare groups and the like.
(The
above information
is copyright
to Animal Concern,
but may be used for
research or educational
purposes free-of-charge,
provided that Animal
Concern is quoted
as the source.)