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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 14th June 2011
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Dog Control Bill progress

Dog Control Bill proceeds to third reading at House of Lords.

Dogs Trust, the UK’s biggest dog welfare charity, has today welcomed the news that Lord Redesdale’s Dog Control Bill has passed its Report Stage in the House of Lords and will now receive a Third Reading.  The Bill is currently continuing its path through the legislative system after being tabled by Lord Redesdale as a Private Members Bill in 2010.
 
Supported by the Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG) of which Dogs Trust is a member, the Dog Control Bill proposes to replace the existing dangerous dog legislation. This includes the repeal of breed specific legislation and tightening the law to make irresponsible owners of all dogs, regardless of breed, more responsible. 
 
In addition to today’s progress, Dogs Trust and DDASG have also been working with other major stakeholders including the Communication Workers Union and Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to produce a joint briefing to present to government which outlines where urgent action must be taken in existing dog legislation to improve huge inadequacies within the law.
 
Clarissa Baldwin, CEO of Dogs Trust said:
 
“Dogs Trust is delighted that Lord Redesdale’s bill is continuing to progress through the House of Lords.  New legislation is needed that would place more responsibility on the owners of aggressive dogs: the emphasis must be on targeting the actions of irresponsible owners rather than focusing on specific breeds of dogs. People deserve to feel safe around all dogs, yet existing legislation has failed to reduce the number of dog bite incidents.
 
“A public consultation was issued in March of last year and yet we’re still awaiting an announcement from the government.  We’re extremely disappointed that DEFRA are continuing to drag their heels on this issue.”
 
“The Animal Welfare Minister, Lord Henley, responded to today’s news by saying that the Government is currently considering the ‘right way forward’ and that he hopes to be in a position to make the Government’s position clear when the Dog Control Bill reaches Third Reading. Dogs Trust will be lobbying hard to ensure the ‘right way forward’ is the best approach for dogs, not just politicians.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.