Defra

Animal welfare charity to work with Government as they consider new laws.

The RSPCA has welcomed the announcement that Defra is considering a ban on the third party selling of puppies.

The animal welfare charity - the largest and oldest in the UK - has long been calling for changes in legislation to better protect dogs and puppies.

If, like many dog lovers, you oppose breed specific legislation this campaign is one you’ll want to support.

Born Innocent, an organisation which lobbies against BSL legislation, is today asking the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) “Where is the Love?” for our dogs. The organisation is urging Defra to #Haveaheart and consider the plight of dogs who fall foul of the BSL laws.

All dogs in England will need to be microchipped to help tackle the growing problem of strays roaming the streets, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson announced today.
 
Each year more than 100,000 dogs are dumped or lost at a cost of £57 million to the taxpayer and welfare charities.
 

Dog law delays are unacceptable claim RSPCA

Public pressure is key to lobbying Government department

The continued persecution of dogs based on their physical appearance is unacceptable and the law needs to change, the RSPCA says.

Britain’s biggest animal welfare charity claims the Government is dragging its heels over promises to reform dog control legislation – despite nearly nine out of 10 people arguing that the current law doesn’t protect the public effectively.*

Defra recently revealed Government plans to tackle irresponsible dog ownership - you can read Defra's statement and how to respond in this previous blogpost. There has been disappointment within the dog world that the proposals didn't really tackle the issue of how to deal with dangerous dogs. The RSPCA is currently running a campaign called 42 Teeth - "All dogs have 42 teeth, but only some have irresponsible owners."

Defra made an announcement on Monday that they are changing and extending the Dangerous Dogs Act, and they are also asking for input on the compulsory microchipping of dogs. If you are passionate in favour of mandatory chipping, or if you are staunchly opposed to it, Defra want to hear from you. Visit the Defra website to find out how you can have your say. The consultation period will end on 15th June 2012, so don't miss out.
 
Here's the Defra statement that caused a stir on Monday.

Here's the response from the RSPCE to Defra's announcement today:

New Government dog measures lack bite, says RSPCA

Coalition breaks promise to “target irresponsible owners”
Monday 23 April 2012

The Government has wasted the best opportunity to tackle irresponsible dog ownership in more than 20 years, claimed the RSPCA today.

The country’s biggest animal welfare charity has accused Defra of ignoring the advice of the country’s dog law enforcement agencies, and instead launching yet another unnecessary consultation.