Irresponsible dog ownership Defra survey

irresponsible dog ownership Consultation start: 23 April 2012 Consultation end: 15 June 2012 Summary Defra is seeking views on a proposed package of measures aimed at tackling irresponsible ownership of dogs. The main proposals: •Extending the criminal offence of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control to private property (where the dog has a right to be); •Compulsory microchipping of dogs; •Removing the need to seize and kennel all dogs where court proceeding are pending; and •Increase the fee for placing a dog on the Index of Exempted Dogs The proposals, along with other work we are already carrying out, provide a mix of preventative, educational and punitive measures which are designed to tackle a variety of problems (e.g. allowing dogs to become dangerous, status dogs, allowing dogs to stray and general irresponsible ownership leading to poor welfare and anti-social behaviour). How to respond Anyone may reply to this consultation. Defra would like to hear from anyone with an interest in responsible dog ownership, including: enforcement agencies; people working with dogs; animal welfare organisations; dog keeping orgainsations; and the general public. You can complete the survey on-line at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/dogsconsultation2012 This survey does not collect any personal data. Alternatively, you can e-mail your response to: animalwelfare.consultations@defra.gsi.gov.uk You may also send your comments, or any requests for copies of the documents, by post to: Dangerous Dogs Team Animal Welfare Area 8B, 9 Millbank c/o 17 Smith Square London SW1P 3JR Any comments on the proposals in this consultation document should be sent by 15 June 2012.