As a long-time dog professional, I've encountered countless dog owners who lack the basic knowledge necessary to provide proper care for their pets. It's deeply concerning to witness the persistence of outdated, abusive methods in training and caring for dogs. These harmful practices not only cause fear and trauma but can also lead to dangerous behaviours such as biting or attacking.

The need for change is urgent. We propose making it a legal requirement to obtain a license and undergo an assessment before owning a dog. This assessment would cover essential aspects of canine care, including basic training techniques, identification of abusive or neglectful practices, and measures to ensure safety both for the dogs themselves and others.

The number of dog attacks recorded by police in England and Wales has risen by more than a third in the past five years, a BBC investigation has found. 
Last year, there were nearly 22,000 cases of out-of-control dogs causing injury. In 2018, there were just over 16,000.
The UK's dog population is estimated to have risen by only 15% in that time.

Let's work together towards creating an environment where every dog receives appropriate care based on informed understanding rather than ignorance or outdated beliefs. Please sign this petition today - because every dog deserves a safe home with knowledgeable caretakers.