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Backing for New Dog Licences?
The RSPCA and the Dogs trust have disagreed over a proposed dog registration scheme.

While the RSPCA believes that a licence would be hugely beneficial in addressing many animal welfare concerns, the Dogs Trust has stated that it does not believe a return to the dog licence would provide the suggested welfare benefit for dogs.

In a survey commissioned by the RSPCA, 2 out of 3 dog owners (66%)* asked said that they would be in favour of a licence scheme. The RSPCA will be submitting these results in response to the consultation on dangerous dog legislation recently launched by the UK government.
 
In addition, 76% of all the people asked said that a dog licence should be enforced in England to help curb problems such as ‘puppy farms’, stray dogs, stolen dogs and animal abandonments.
 
Head of external affairs David Bowles said: “The RSPCA has been seriously considering a dog licence scheme as we feel it would provide an effective mechanism for tackling a whole raft of dog welfare problems. The income should be ring-fenced and ploughed into services such as an effective local dog warden service which could make a real difference to both dogs and their owners at a local level.
 
“An annual scheme would also help to ensure that contact details of owners are kept up to date so they can be reunited with their pet more easily if it is lost or stolen.”
 
The RSPCA also suggested the possibility that a reduction in the licence fee could apply for more responsible dog owners such as those who have their pets neutered.

In a survey commissioned by the RSPCA, 2 out of 3 dog owners asked said that they would be in favour of a licence scheme.
However, the Dogs Trust has expressed their surprise at this report. According to the charity, “This view is extremely naïve; responsible owners might struggle to pay what is likely to be a punitive annual licence.”

The charity states that the dog licence has been shown to be an ineffective measure in the UK. According to them, in Northern Ireland, where the dog licence is still a requirement, only an estimated one-third of all dog owners currently have their dogs licensed. Northern Ireland still has the highest number of stray dogs per head of population of any region in the UK and the number of dogs put to sleep in the region represents a staggering 34% of the total UK figure.

The Dogs Trust is recommending compulsory microchipping as the most effective means of registration as well as identification of a dog. They state that microchipping a dog should infer legal ownership and reinforces the responsibilities of the owner under the Animal Welfare Act. The introduction of compulsory microchipping would allow stray dogs to be quickly returned to their owners, make easier the identification of owners who persistently allow their dogs to stray or cause nuisance, and make all puppies traceable to their breeder, helping to reduce the widespread problem of battery farming of dogs.

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA announces 12th Edition of the Small Animal Formulary

The BSAVA has published an updated edition of its Small Animal Formulary, which includes new drug monographs and emergency drug doses for rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles.

One of BSAVA's most trusted and widely used clinical resources, this 12th edition of the manual also includes seven new client information leaflets and information on drugs used for the management of urinary incontinence.

Part A of the Formulary, Canine and Feline, sees Fergus Allerton return as Editor-in-Chief, while Part B: Exotic Pets was edited by Joanna Hedley. For more information, visit the BSAVA website.