I am petitioning for the reintroduction of license laws for dogs, with the aim of having every dog owner holding a license for every dog they currently own, plus new owners having a license in place before a dog is introduced into their home. I strongly believe it would reduce the amount of unsuitable owners bringing unfavoured publicity on certain breeds. It would reduce the amount of dogs being surrendered to shelters or turned loose to fend for themselves. It would assist the police and RSPCA in prosecuting owners of dangerous dogs or owners guilty of animal neglect/cruelty. A case in point comes from 2013, when a fourteen year old from Atherton, Manchester was mauled to death by four dogs in a friend's house. All four dogs had to be shot by police. A tragedy, both for a young life taken too soon but also for the dogs, who had never been trained, socialised or even received the most basic of care. The 'owner' received a four month suspended sentence. I strongly believe licensing would curb the indiscriminate 'backyard breeders' trying to meet the demand for the latest 'fad' breeds, as I would like to see breeding licenses issued to reputable breeders only. Hopefully this would prevent interbreeding and overbreeding, leading to health problems. The Shar Pei is a perfect example of genetic damage being inflicted on a breed. I would like to see a percentage of the fee, hopefully a minimum of 10%, to be fed back into shelters and rescue centres and the education of correct canine management. I believe assistance and police/armed forces dogs should be exempt from the fee, but should still have a license.