Alyn and Deeside MS supports call for responsible dog ownership in Wales

Alyn and Deeside MS Jack recently met with Blue Cross pet charity to hear about its recommendations to improve responsible dog ownership in Wales at an event sponsored by Carolyn Thomas MS.

The Blue Cross is calling for a comprehensive review of responsible dog ownership initiatives in Wales.

It wants the Welsh Government to bring together animal welfare organisations, local authorities and the police to discuss ways to raise together better dog ownership across the country.

The Blue Cross wants the introduction of dog licensing with guidance and regulations and the fee to be invested back into improving dog control.

It wants the Welsh Government to invest in the Blue Cross Responsible Dog Ownership Course (RDOC) and all owners who commit a low-level dog offence to take the course to bring down the number of offences in Wales and improve public safety.

The Blue Cross is calling for the effective and comprehensive enforcement of current dog breeding and control regulations. Far too many dogs suffer due to unscrupulous breeders, dealers and traders who prioritise profit over welfare.

The charity wants the Welsh Government to commission research into the prevalence and causes of dog bites and attacks, either independently or in partnership with Westminster.

And the creation of a centralised database to record information on dog bites, levels of severity and circumstances of incidents.

Jack Sargeant who has been calling for more action on responsible dog ownership for some time said:

“I know first-hand the impact irresponsible dog ownership can have on communities and individuals.  My dog Coco and I were recently attacked by two bull terriers who had been allowed to run loose by their owner. The owner had left them to escape from a side gate and they attacked Coco and myself as they fought to defend her.

“I welcome the Blue Cross campaign and the work my friend and Colleague Carolyn Thomas is doing to promote it.

Carolyn Thomas MS for the North Wales region, and sponsor for the event said: “I am getting behind Blue Cross and the charity’s calls to improve responsible dog ownership in my region. I will be calling on colleagues across all parties to make this happen and do what we can to ensure dogs are well behaved family pets and prevent any further tragic attacks in Wales, regardless of breed.”

A Blue Cross spokesperson said: “We invited MSs along to hear about how we believe that through collaboration and support we can, together, improve responsible dog ownership in Wales with emphasis being made on dog owners rather than demonising any particular breed.”

“With the increasing demand for Blue Cross pet welfare services, the charity needs the support of animal lovers to continue its work helping pets and their people, in any way they can. ”

“Whether that’s by donating to keep rehoming and veterinary services going through these tough times, fundraising for Blue Cross, providing foster care for pets while loving new homes are found, volunteering at pet food banks, or signing up to support Blue Cross campaigns for better pet welfare. www.bluecross.org.uk.’