RSPCA welcomes move for responsible dog ownership
Summit looked at welfare of dogs and public safety
Last updated 19th Oct 2023
RSPCA Cymru has welcomed a summit which focused on improving and promoting responsible dog ownership in Wales.
The summit - called by Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd Lesley Griffiths MS, - brought together representatives from local government, the police, public health, third sector organisations and those campaigning for both the welfare of dogs and the safety of the general public.
It aimed to focus on what devolved levers can be used to protect the public from out of control dogs. Laws in this area are not devolved and as such, are a matter for the UK Government. However, devolved issues such as breeding, pet sales and raising awareness of responsible dog ownership are dealt with in Wales.
RSPCA Cymru’s senior public affairs manager, Billie-Jade Thomas said: “We very much welcomed this summit and hope it leads to an awareness campaign in Wales for both owners and members of the public who are concerned about dog behaviour.
“A public awareness campaign could highlight the obligation for owners to keep their animal under proper control in all places at all times, while promoting other elements of responsible dog ownership, and advising people where to turn for advice and resources.
“The launch of a public awareness campaign could provide the Welsh Government with a means of undertaking more imminent action in the interim of any future legislative changes - and the RSPCA stands ready to support any such campaign.
“The way a dog is bred, reared and socialised has a long term impact on their behaviour and it is important that this is recognised and promoted.
"Providing the public with the relevant guidance, signposting and advice via such a campaign could also help reduce the number of serious incidents involving dogs in Wales, while offering the public some much-needed reassurances.”