I am writing to raise a critical issue that has had a profound impact on my family and to urge immediate action. My 5-year-old son Roman, was mauled by a dog while walking home from school, leaving him with severe injuries that required surgery and a deep emotional trauma that now affects his daily life. This terrifying ordeal was entirely preventable and underscores the urgent need for stronger regulations regarding dog breeding and ownership.

The incident occurred due to a dog that was off-leash and under the care of an owner who had previously had dogs confiscated. This points to a systematic issue where individuals without the necessary knowledge and responsibility are allowed to own potentially dangerous animals. Had there been a licencing system in place, similar to what is required for driving, owners would have been required to possess a fundamental understanding of dog behaviour, health, and safety, significantly reducing the risk of such incidents.

To prevent further tragedies, we need comprehensive measures to regulate dog breeding practices, ensuring that temperament and health are prioritized to prevent reckless breeding. This would involve assessing both parents before breeding, rather than simply pairing two mixed breeds without considering the potential consequences on temperament and health.

Additionally, the implementation of mandatory licences for dog owners is crucial. Such a system would ensure that owners are educated on handling dogs safely and are accountable for their pets’ actions. Furthermore, enforcing the use of leads in areas with high footfall of children, especially near playgrounds and parks, is vital to safeguarding our communities.

We cannot afford to wait for another preventable tragedy. I urge lawmakers and local authorities to take these issues seriously and act swiftly to implement these necessary measures. Our children’s safety is at stake.

Please sign this petition to support stronger laws on dog breeding and ownership to protect our children and communities.