Battersea calls for 'urgent dog legislation reform'
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has called for 'urgent dog legislation reform' after figures on the number of stray dogs taken in by the charity last year reveal that 2715 dogs (approximately 72% of the total intake) had no form of identification or microchipping. Such a lack of means of identification is illegal under the auspices of The Control of Dogs Order 1992, which mandates the wearing collars, tags or other means of identification for dogs in a public place.
Commenting, Battersea's Chief Executive Claire Horton said "Battersea works on the frontline of animal welfare and continually sees the relentless fallout from ineffective dog legislation. The Government must introduce desperately-needed amendments to outdated laws. The sheer number of stray dogs needing our help shows just how grave the situation is and it shows no signs of abating."
"We've been waiting far too long for the Government to reform the current failed dog laws. Battersea takes in 14 dogs every single day and it's a huge concern to us when we are powerless to trace the irresponsible owners who dump their dogs or simply let them run off. We'll continue to do all we can to help these animals but we really need to know that the Government is playing its part in helping to sort the stray dog crisis on our streets." Ms. Horton added.
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.
