MPs support Guide Dogs' campaign
Dave Kent, Quince the dog and Mary Creagh MP
MPs have lent their support to the charity Guide Dogs' campaign to stop attacks on guide dogs. At a reception at the Houses of Parliament, 150 politicians heard the appeal to raise awareness of attacks with their local police forces and urge forces to take these attacks more seriously.
Attacks on guide dogs by other dogs are at an all time high, new figures released on 11th June have revealed, with an average of eight a month taking place. The reception was held to highlight the charity's growing concern about the attacks and to ask MPs for their support.
Guide Dogs is calling for the introduction of compulsory microchipping, which will encourage responsible ownership, make it harder for owners to deny responsibility and discourage backstreet breeding.
David Cowdrey, Guide Dogs' Campaigns Manager, said: "An attack on any dog is frightening, but for a guide dog owner it is much worse. The trauma caused by these unprovoked attacks could have devastating consequences, leaving a blind or partially sighted person a virtual prisoner in their own home.”
He added: “Guide Dogs sees the compulsory microchipping of all dogs as a vital first step towards reducing the number of attacks, but believes the Government should go further. Ultimately we want the law changed so an attack on guide dogs and other assistance dogs is treated as seriously as an attack on a person."
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.
