Tackling Irresponsible Dog Ownership Legislation
There has been a lot of talk about the Governments plans to introduce compulsory microchipping in England as part of the Tackling Irresponsible Dog Ownership– however this is not yet law and is only at the consultation stage. Consultation is due to finish on June 23rd so there is time for lots of views to be taken into consideration.
There are a number of options being put forward from compulsory chipping of all puppies to chipping of all dogs regardless of age.
It appears that sometime ago there was talk that tattoos would be given as an alternative to microchips but this appears now not to be the case.
The proposed legislation also includes changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act. One change that appears significant is that there is a proposal to remove the need for the police to seize and kennel dogs seized as a suspect of being a Dangerous Dog until after any court case.
Puddle Pet Care would urge all dog owners to read the full details on the Defra Website –http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2012/04/23/dangerous-dogs-1204/
and in particular the PDF document Annex A – Consultation Document (this is 19 pages long but is clearly written.)
http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/files/dangerous-dogs-annexa-condoc-120423.pdf
Anyone may reply to this consultation. Defra would like to hear from anyone with an interest in responsible dog ownership, including: enforcement agencies; people working with dogs; animal welfare organisations; dog keeping orgainsations; and the general public.
You can complete the survey on-line at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/dogsconsultation2012
So if you have concerns about this proposed legislation then we urge you to make your feelings known to DEFRA