Animal charity the RSPCA is inviting people in Croydon to take part in a survey over the future care of dogs, and specifically the return of dog licences.
Dog welfare: the Dogs Trust and RSPCA are conducting a survey on dog licensing
Together with the Dogs Trust, another charity, and the York Health Economics Consortium, the survey is part of a research project that will explore how dog ownership could be made safer and better supported. Researchers are seeking input from dog owners, and non-owners, to explore whether dog licensing could play a role in improving welfare, safety and outcomes for all concerned, animals and people.
Dr Samantha Gaines, the RSPCA’s dog welfare expert, said: “We want to hear from as many people as possible to help improve responsible dog ownership, and ensure dog owners as well as those who come into contact with dogs are supported.
“Feedback from the public is essential for helping to ensure that any future policies reflect the needs of dog owners and the wider community.”
Approximately one-third of households in Britain own a dog, and while compulsory microchipping was introduced across the UK in 2016, there has not been any licensing of dog ownership in Great Britain since 1987, although it is used in Northern Ireland and in other countries.
“By sharing your views with us, you can help shape the future of dog ownership and the measures that could contribute to better welfare and safer communities,” said Alex Findlow, the public affairs manager at the Dogs Trust.
The survey is conducted anonymously and can be accessed by clicking here.
Advice on caring for your dog can be found on the RSPCA website here.
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I’m not a dog ownmer, and I dodge dog sh1t on our pavements and in Grange Park, so anything that helps control those hopeless dog owners is a good idea and I support it. I want to see owners who don’t clean up after their pet poos, have their licences endorsed
Allowing your pet to foul public areas or the pavement is already a fineable offence, Chris.
But as with so many civic responsibilities, it goes unenforced.
Which is the point of the survey – if dog owners had to pay for a licence, how might enforcement work?
If the dog licence includes a requirement to include your dog’s DNA, then it would be easy to identify your naughty Fido by the evidence you left on the pavement
But that would be the epitome of a shit job.
I’m not a dog owner and I will support anything that will make life better for people out walking in the streets and parks. There is dog shit everywhere and selfish, irresponsible owners letting their, sometimes vicious looking, dogs run wild and cause a nuisance to walkers. I have been bitten by dogs twice in recent years through no fault of my own! We need some action!
Have you completed the survey?
What action have you suggested?
Yes I did, I ticked the box for dog licences, unfortunately there wasn’t an option for putting idiot owners in the public stocks, but there we are.
Sh, so the licence is for the dog not the owner ? Grrrrr
Bit of a howler?
Someone’s barking
Your pet subject?