How do we propose the Dog Ownership Suitability Test be implemented?
Full details of how each element of the proposal will be implemented will be published on this page.
This page is open for comments and questions about the proposal so please feel free to raise your queries using the comment form at the bottom of this page and we will address selected ones here. Please note, this proposal is not moving to the official consultation stage until April 1st
We will, between now and April the 1st, update this page with information on how the proposal can be logistically implemented.
Update 1: The ‘Practicality/Workability’ Issue
This is, by some distance, the most common question/concern raised in relation to this proposal.
In a way, that’s a good thing.
There is nothing in the proposal which is new in terms of the functions and mechanics behind the enforcement of the law.
Everything contained in the proposal is in operation in other areas of law. A central database, a licensing scheme, a testing scheme, a cross-referencing service. Everything is up and working in other areas. So on the issue of practicality it is a matter of fact rather than opinion that the scheme can be implemented should there be a will to do so.
The other concern is from people who believe some irresponsible owners will simply opt not to take the test.
Whilst is absolutely fair to predict some people will try and avoid the test, the issue at hand is that laws cannot be drawn up with the actions of those who will try to avoid them at the forefront of the planning. Those people who choose to break the law will now be able to be penalised. That is a good thing. Some people have suggested - absolutely correctly - that, even though we have a driving test and driving licence suitability exam, some people still drive without qualifications. Yes, they do. But that is absolutely not a reason for us NOT to have the driving test and the theory exam. What we have to do is constantly work on the techniques and skills required to detect and punish law breakers. If the law, or in this case proposal, is fundamentally a positive move, a suitable alternative to existing dog laws which have proven to be an unmitigated failure, then implementation and enforcement is a matter for the legislators to plan for. There is no evidence at all that this proposal could not be enforced. To suggest it could not be enforced would be to suggest the driving licence is unenforceable or a fundamentally ‘bad’ legal obligation. It isn’t either of those things. Do some people attempt to evade the law? Yes, absolutely. But that is simply not a reason to not have the law.
The dog ownership suitability test is by no means a miracle cure. It is absolutely not ‘perfect’ or foolproof. Not a single law on our statute books is. Is it enforceable/workable. Yes, this is a matter of fact based on other legislation which can be replicated.
Stunning and well thought out plan, anything to improve dog ownership and responsibilty.
I wish you every luck in the world with this I would back it all the way, My only concern is as a 60 year old having to take a test like that of the driving test to keep my two little yorkies. But if that is what was required i would do it, I am in favour of all you have said and i look forward to the day i can once again walk in my local park with my dogs ( whom i should add are on a lead) in peace, I am fed up of coming home a bag of nerves as once agin a dog out of control has charged us and an even worse the owner just walks on regardless.
I should add at this point while these dogs are running wild they are also useing the parks as a loo and these so called pet loving owners never clean up after them. It is way past time these people were brought to task.
Good luck in all your work.
regards
Anita Smith
Brilliant! I’ve been saying that something like this should be done for quite some time, but didn’t think anyone would actually do it.
As a soon to be qualified dog psychologist & also working for a vet we are hearing more & more about irresponsible & dangerous dog owners who just do not care that there dog has psychological issues we are seeing more & more dog attacks on other dogs & children the only way this will work is to hit them hard in the pocket give police authority to seize dogs with no licence just like they do if you have no tax insurance on your car this may seem extreme but all the responsible careing dog owners out there will have nothing to worry about & also stop unscrupulous breeders from advertising pups for sale in shops & in papers(quids in being one) perhaps have a register of good knowledgeble breeders after all its a quick way of earning a few thousand pounds without MR TAXMAN not knowing for all the irresponsible breeders out there & there is a lot of them.I for one will give this proposal all the support i can professionally & as a responsible dog owner.