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.
Getting scanners into as many places as possible will help reunite lost dogs with their people and discourage dog theft. Excellent news!
Defra has today revealed plans to enforce every dog in the UK to have a microchip. Here is Dogs Trust's response:
Dogs Trust response to Defra’s announcement on Dangerous Dogs and Microchipping
23rd April 2012
Most of us have heard our dogs growl - but do you realise how precious a gift your dog's growl can be? A growl is a warning that a dog is unhappy, and should alert the owner that action is necessary. However, the form that action takes is crucial to your dog's happiness - the important thing is never to scold a growl; so just how should we respond to a growl? Pat Miller has the answers. She explains why dogs growl and how we should react.
While most dogs and owners take to dog training with very few problems, and enjoy classes and the company of other dogs, what happens to those who have a demanding or aggressive or noisy dog? It can be difficult for them to find help, and almost impossible for them to find a situation to let their dog work out how they should be behaving. Steven Havers is an expert on difficult demanding dogs, and many of the dogs who attend his classes have been rejected by other trainers.
Here's news of an event you might like to take part in. But just a quick word of warning here - hugging is not a natural method of communication for dogs. They may have become familiar with the fact that their humans wrap their arms around them from time to time, and maybe some of them like it, but do be very careful when or if you hug your dog. A dog has to have come to understand that a hug is normal non-threatening behaviour to be any where near comfortable being hugged. That said, let the hugging begin:
Barb Murfet who is the chair of the Australian National Kennel Club (ANKC) Dances With Dogs committee.
The second part of our Crufts coverage including interviews with Susan McKeon whose Greyhound lead her into a whole new career, Sealyham Terrier breeder Harry Parsons, The Blue Cross's Education Development Manager Tracy Genever talks about the charity's rebrand, plus interviews from those competing and judging in the Heelwork to Music finals, and youngsters getting involved in the Young Kennel Club.
This is my beautiful Penny i suffer from fibromyalgia and my wee girl knows when i am in pain i love her to bits and she has made a difference to my life
Latest press release from Dogs Trust:
ANIMAL WELFARE CONFERENCE ATTRACTS RECORD NUMBER OF DELEGATES
The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes Conference (ADCH) has attracted the highest attendance in the conference’s 12 year history.