Welsh Government
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New plans to promote responsible dog ownership in Wales
The Minister is due to visit the RSPCA in Newport to launch a new draft Control of Dogs (Wales) Bill.
The draft Bill sets out a number of proposals for dealing with out of control dogs at the earliest point possible. It also introduces a new mechanism for enforcing these proposals.
Speaking ahead of the launch the Minister said:
“Whilst the majority of dogs are kept under control and do not represent a risk to the public, dog attacks are on the increase, and children and animals, including guide dogs, are often the victims.
“The Welsh Government is determined to do more to protect Welsh communities and this draft Bill is a key step towards making that happen.
“Our proposals focus on early intervention when a dog is out of control and involve close working with dog owners to improve their dog’s behaviour. We believe that by using legislation we can make a significant difference to the incidents of dog attacks in Wales.
“The proposals are another important step in our ongoing work to ensure responsible dog ownership in Wales. They complement the work we are already progressing on compulsory microchipping and breeding regulations."
There are 450,000 dogs in Wales, the majority of which are kept under control. However in instances where there are problems with a dog's behaviour the draft Control of Dogs (Wales) Bill proposes Draft Control Notices (DCN) that can be issued by local authorities to dog owners when their dogs are showing signs of being out of control.
When an owner is given a DCN they will be required take certain steps, such as keep their dogs under control, provide relevant information to their local authority, attend training sessions, only let their dog out in public if accompanied by an over-16 or if muzzled, or keep the dog away from certain parks and roads altogether.
The proposed legislation also requires people to control dogs when they are in their own homes and not just when they are in public places
Local authorities will keep track of anyone who is given a DCN and make sure they are taken the necessary steps to change their dog’s behaviour.
The draft Bill is open for consultation from 23 November 2012 to 1 March 2013. The Minister is inviting partner organisations and members of the public to have their say on the proposals.
