North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson, joined Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, today to call for action on tackling irresponsible dog ownership.
Dogs Trust unveiled a stunning photographic display depicting the work it carries out within communities to help reduce the problems associated with irresponsible dog ownership alongside its policy document, ‘Taking The Lead, Tackling Irresponsible Dogs Ownership’. The event provided a platform for MPs to talk to Dogs Trust staff about the work carried out on the ground to encourage owners to train, neuter and microchip their dogs,.
Justin Tomlinson MP said tackling anti-social dog behaviour in Swindon had become a key issue for constituents:
“Incidences of anti-social behaviour involving dogs have been increasing in many local areas so I am delighted that Dogs Trust is proactively looking to tackle the issue by getting down to grass routes. While legislation has its part to play, outreach work in local communities is vital in order to engage dog owners and to help prevent dog attacks from occurring.
“Of particular concern in Swindon is the increasing number of attacks on Guide Dogs. This is disgraceful and must be stopped, but the police can only do so much. I welcome the outreach work that Dogs Trust does, this could be key in tackling such cases. I have also been a big supporter of the Guide Dogs' campaign on guide dog attacks.
"More than seven guide dogs are attacked in the UK every month. The attacks can result in the dogs being unable to work and in some cases, can never work again. This can have a devastating impact on the owner, as they are then unable to go out independently whilst they wait for a new dog. It is vital we take action to tackle this"
Clarissa Baldwin, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said:
“Dogs Trust works with over 300 local authorities to tackle the root causes of irresponsible dog ownership. We know from working in affected communities that this is a complex social issue; one that requires a multi-agency approach to target harder to reach groups. As the largest dog welfare charity in the UK, we believe that we’re in the best position to promote change by engaging with dog owners, schools, dog wardens, young offenders, housing associations and the police. We are delighted that Justin Tomlinson MP supports the work that we are doing.”