Responsible dog ownership summit: report

Mini round-table discussions on a range of key discission topics/questions

Question for Group Three

• What measures could be considered to help educate dog owners of the importance of responsible dog ownership to help improve dog behaviour? – set out what should be the top three priorities to consider post summit ?

Suggestions included:

• Some members of the group suggested that a long term aim could be the opportunity to carefully explore the re-introduction of a national dog licensing scheme. The group had a good discussion around dog licensing with lots of pros and cons aired by the group, including the challenges around ringfencing funds from licensing and more.
• The group members consider that early education is key. Therefore there should be a focus on education and changing behaviour of children and their care givers.
• There is also a need to raise awareness of Dog Control Notices to ensure that dog owners and the general public are aware of the possible consequences to dog owners and their pets if they do not keep them under proper control. Opportunities to consider what steps can be taken locally to help educate the general public on the importance of dog control should also be explored.