I have spent the past 30 years of my life as a dog owner, and during this time, I have witnessed the profound bond that exists between humans and dogs. For many, including myself, dogs are not just pets; they are beloved family members and a significant part of our daily lives. Consequently, they form a vital aspect of what we consider to be our British culture.

Sadly, I have recently observed an unsettling trend where dogs are being banned in certain areas across the UK. This is not reflective of the country that I, and millions of others, find ourselves deeply attached to - a country where dogs have played an invaluable role in our society from aiding the blind to offering companionship to the elderly and the lonely.

It is estimated that around 33% of households in the UK own at least one dog, a testament to the central role that dogs play in our lives (PFMA, 2020). Our canine companions are not only innocent creatures looking for love and care but they also contribute positively to our mental and physical health. Research has shown that dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression than non-pet owners and they tend to have lower blood pressure in stressful situations (Harvard Health Publishing, 2019).

We need to do better as a nation to reflect our love and appreciation for dogs in our legal structure. To protect our cherished four-legged friends from arbitrary bans, I am asking for dogs to be formally recognized in British law as part of our culture.

Please stand with me and the millions of dog lovers across the UK. Sign this petition to ask lawmakers to recognize the integral role of dogs in British culture within our laws.