Concerns raised by Kennel Club over Welsh dog bill
The Kennel Club (KC) has raised concerns over new proposals published by the Welsh Government last week regarding dog control, and is urging those with an interest in dogs to make their views known.
The KC supports the main proposals concerning the extension of the law to cover all places and the introduction of Dog Control Notices. However, the club has expressed ‘serious concerns’ over suggested measures in relation to ‘protected animals’ as defined under the Animal Welfare Act.
The new bill proposes that owners of dogs who injure a protected animal could now be subject to criminal prosecution for an aggravated offence. According to the KC, the offence could carry a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. This is in contrast to the maximum penalty for deliberate cruelty to an animal under the Act which is only up to 6 months imprisonment and/or £20,000 fine.
The draft Bill states it could even be an offence if an incident takes place where an individual reasonably believes a dog would do harm to a protected animal – even if no injury takes place. The club is also worried that the new proposal does not allow any defence for a dog biting a burglar or if the victim provokes a dog to injure them.
Caroline Kisko, Communications Director for Kennel Club, welcomes the intention of the Welsh Government to improve legislation surrounding dangerous and out of control dogs, however the serious concerns raised about some of the negative implications for perfectly responsible dog owners within the suggested Control of Dogs (Wales) Bill cannot be ignored.
She added: “Whilst the proposals would only apply in Wales, the Westminster Government is yet to outline its long awaited package of measures to tackle irresponsible dog ownership, so there is every possibility that Welsh proposals could be taken into consideration. We must therefore send a clear message in relation to provisions for protected animals; unfortunately Wales have really got this one wrong and would urge anyone with an interest in dogs to respond to the consultation to raise their concerns.”
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