PDSA joins call for improved dog laws

PDSA is among a group of UK animal charities, law enforcement agencies and unions calling on the leaders of the main political parties to work together to introduce improved and updated legislation to protect dog welfare and public safety.

The 22 organisations have come together to request action against irresponsible dog owners by the Government and the provision of necessary resources for those tasked with policing dog control laws.

The statement will be sent to Prime Minister David Cameron MP, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg MP and acting leader of the opposition Harriet Harman MP.

It says: “We believe that irresponsible dog ownership, whether it is allowing dogs to stray, be dangerously out of control or indiscriminately breeding them, causes significant problems for the safety and welfare of both humans and animals. Current legislation is proving inadequate in many cases to ensure sufficient protection.

“We believe that both the provision of sufficient resources at a local level for local authorities and the police, and updated and consolidated legislation that has a genuine preventative effect, are needed to address this problem.

“We call on the coalition Government to act and bring forward legislation that addresses these areas effectively.”

Organisations signed up to the statement include: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Blue Cross, The British Horse Society, British Veterinary Association (BVA), CIEH (Chartered Institute for Environmental Health), Communication Workers Union (CWU), Dogs Trust, GMB, Guide Dogs for the Blind, IIRSM (International Institute of Risk and Safety Management), Kennel Club, The Mayhew Animal Home, National Dog Warden Association (NDWA), PDSA, Police Federation, Prospect, RCN (Royal College of Nursing), RSPCA, Royal Mail, TUC (Trades Union Congress), UNISON, UNITE.

24/08/2010