Dog Code Success

8 December 2009

The NGO has welcomed the new Dog Welfare Code published by Defra this week.

A spokesman for the NGO said:

"A year ago we were strongly critical of Defra's first draft, which was far too long, far too detailed and contained several requirements that were hoplessly impractical for working dogs, or just downright wrong.

"Now we have a good final Code that shows the results of all our hard work then and follow-up discussions since.

"Gone are the prohibition on leaving dogs unattended in vehicles and having to restrain them during travel. Gone too are the requirements to feed twice a day, groom once a day and to collect all faeces, bag them and put them in a waste bin.

"Instead we have a clear Code that will help less certain dog owners to care for their animals properly, whilst giving experienced dog handlers nothing to worry about."

Defra's Dog Welfare Code can be read here:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/cruelty/documents/cop-dogs.pdf

The NGO's comments on the original draft can be read here:

http://www.nationalgamekeepers.org.uk/news/4/