RSPCA: Irresponsible owners need to be focus of dog law consultation

Tuesday, 9 March 2010 12:00 AM

The RSPCA is calling for irresponsible pet ownership to be the focus of the Government's newly announced public consultation on dog legislation.

The nation's biggest animal charity today welcomed the Home Secretary's announcement that the Government will hold a serious debate on how best to tackle anti-social behaviour with dogs.

The RSPCA has long called for more effective legislation that puts greater emphasis on punishing irresponsible dog owners who cause animals to suffer, rather than the breed or type of dog concerned.

Claire Robinson, the RSPCA's government relations manager, said: "There is a real need for updated legislation that enables enforcers to tackle the problem effectively and prevent serious incidents from occurring rather than waiting till after a tragedy or penalising certain dogs just because of their breed or type.

"The RSPCA has been working with the police and local authorities to develop good practice in this area and also consolidate and update legislation that will tackle the root cause of the problem - indiscriminate breeding and irresponsible dog ownership.

"It is fantastic news that the Government has opened a genuine debate on the subject and given the public a chance to have their say on the best way to tackle the issue of dogs being used anti-socially."

She said vets at RSPCA animal hospitals, as well as many of the charity's inspectors out in the field, come across dogs on a daily basis that have suffered cruelty or neglect at the hands of irresponsible owners.

"It needs to be remembered that dog welfare isn't just about 'dangerous dogs'. Strays and over-breeding are also areas that would need to be properly addressed as part of any comprehensive dog welfare strategy.

"We look forward to going through the consultation documents in full and submitting our response to Defra," added Claire.

The Government's public consultation was launched following a visit to the RSPCA Harmsworth Animal Hospital, in north London, by Home Secretary Alan Johnson, and Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Hilary Benn MP, yesterday (MON).

Mr Benn met hospital director David Grant who explained how he and his team have to treat and care for thousands of animals each year as a direct result of irresponsible dog ownership.

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RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk

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