CALLS FOR NEW DOG LICENCES TO BETTER CONTROL UNRULY PETS IN ENGLAND

Campaigners from the Right to Roam initiative are advocating for a series of measures to bring dogs and their owners under control, including the reintroduction of dog licenses, registration requirements for breeders, and a ban on toxic flea treatments.

The activists aim to secure provisions that safeguard farmers’ livestock and protect vulnerable wildlife from the increasing dog population and issues related to unruly dog behavior in Britain.

They are urging the next government to implement stricter dog control measures, paralleled by a new right to roam policy for England akin to the freedoms currently enjoyed in Scotland.

“We cherish dogs and acknowledge their role in encouraging outdoor activity,” stated naturalist and author Amy-Jane Beer of the Right to Roam campaign. “For many people, dogs serve as their link to nature, but they also present challenges that necessitate a redefined social contract between dog owners and nature, ensuring a responsible management of this relationship.”

Beer, a dog owner herself, criticized the government for its lack of knowledge about the UK’s dog population, which is believed to have surged since the Covid-19 pandemic and may now exceed 12 million. There have been numerous reports of “pandemic puppies” exhibiting behavioral issues and receiving inadequate training. Farmers have also noted a rise in incidents where dogs have killed sheep since the national lockdowns.

Wildlife charity rangers frequently cite out-of-control dogs and confrontational owners as their most significant issues related to visitors.

Advocates of the Right to Roam campaign argue that expanding access to the countryside—while implementing restrictions on dogs in sensitive, nature-rich areas—alongside stricter regulation of dog ownership, will benefit both farmers and wildlife.

Currently, 52% of England’s open access land is also designated as national nature reserves or sites of special scientific interest.

“Wildlife and dogs are increasingly sharing the same spaces, while arguably people are being excluded from more robust habitats,” Beer remarked. “We’re not advocating for unrestricted access for dogs in sensitive areas or allowing them to roam freely in pastures. Instead, if we had more designated areas where dogs are prohibited, we could better protect these sensitive environments.”

According to the campaigners, reinstating the dog licence—abolished in 1987 but still mandatory in Northern Ireland at a cost of £12.50 annually—would facilitate online education through an application process. Prospective dog owners would undergo training on dog handling, gain insights into animal welfare considerations, and receive guidance on selecting breeds suitable for their lifestyle as part of their licensing procedure.

Additionally, the Right to Roam campaign advocates for mandatory licensing of all dog breeders, a measure supported by 76% of veterinarians. While commercial dog breeders require licenses, individuals can currently breed up to three litters annually without registration.

The campaigners are advocating for several additional measures, including the inclusion of a dog walker’s code in a revised Countryside Code, and the establishment of an accreditation body for professional dog walkers.

Furthermore, they seek to end the use of spot-on tick and flea treatments containing parasiticides that are prohibited in outdoor agriculture but remain prevalent in the pet industry. Recent research indicates that wastewater from sewage treatments contributes significantly to fipronil and imidacloprid pollution in rivers, as these chemicals are washed into water systems when pet owners wash their hands after applying these treatments to their dogs.

Amy-Jane Beer highlighted the consequences of decades of neglect and lax regulation: “The lack of oversight over the past 35 years has allowed issues to accumulate, which are now becoming evident due to the increasing dog population in the country.”

Romilly Swann, an organic sheep farmer and supporter of the Right to Roam initiative, has firsthand experience of sheep being harassed by dogs and faces daily challenges with dog excrement in her pastures. This waste can harbor parasites that pose a threat to ewes and their lambs.

“The Right to Roam’s proposal for registration of owners and dogs makes a lot of sense,” she remarked. “As farmers, we are required to electronically tag every single animal for traceability. It seems illogical that similar accountability isn’t mandatory for dogs. Owners must take responsibility for their dogs’ behavior. Many people underestimate that dogs are natural predators, and even the gentlest dogs can have moments.”

Swann emphasized the importance of education: “Education is always crucial. Farmers aren’t just trying to restrict access to their land; it’s about fostering a mutual understanding of land use to ensure respectful access. It’s about safeguarding animals and promoting harmony for everyone.”

Richard Hudson, a mixed farmer in North Yorkshire, takes a proactive approach by placing signs along footpaths through his fields, informing walkers about his livestock and vulnerable wildlife like ground-nesting birds. Despite his efforts, he has encountered “nasty” incidents where dogs have attacked his sheep.

Richard Hudson suggests that expanding right to roam access in England could benefit farmers by offering walkers alternative routes and paths to steer clear of livestock fields.

“People are deeply attached to their dogs, and any discussion on increased regulation like this will inevitably stir controversy, but I believe it’s a conversation worth starting,” he expressed. “With the current nature and biodiversity crisis, enhancing people’s connection to the land could be immensely beneficial. We need innovative solutions.”

Phil Stocker, Chief Executive of the National Sheep Association, acknowledged that dog attacks on sheep continue to pose a growing challenge and welcomed the proposed measures. “We have been advocating for the reintroduction of dog licensing and a centralized database to facilitate dog traceability for quite some time. Raising awareness and educating dog owners is something we fully endorse. However, we remain concerned about expanding public access on farmland.”

Scotland’s dog walkers’ code

The Right to Roam campaign says this could be the basis for a similar code in England but with additional guidance on not disturbing wildlife.

• Do not allow your dog to approach animals or people uninvited
• Don’t linger if wildlife is disturbed by your presence
• Where possible avoid animals – release your dog if threatened by cattle
• Always keep your dog in sight and under control – if in doubt use a lead.
• Don’t take your dog into fields of vegetables and fruit unless there is a clear path.
• Finish the jobbie – bag it and bin it. Take it home when bins aren’t available.