I know first-hand how devastating the effects of improper and misguided dog regulations can be. My own beloved dog, Bear, despite being just above the XL bully height, is subjected to muzzling in public environments - a response that seems unnecessary and ineffective to the sole purpose of enhancing safety. This is why I strongly advocate for the reinstatement of mandatory licenses for dog owners. 

These licenses wouldn't just be a means to justify pet ownership. Instead, the revenues generated would facilitate the formation of a dedicated national team of competent staff. These individuals would have the necessary training and resources to efficiently address potential issues involving dangerous dogs. Teams would respond to concerns raised by the public, visiting the animals in question in their own environments, evaluating their behaviour both within the home and outside, whilst walking with their owners.

This integrated approach would make it easier to identify dogs that require additional training or those that should use muzzles in public. The collaboration between staff and police will further strengthen community safety measures.

Beyond improving safety, the implementation of mandatory dog ownership licenses would create new job opportunities. In the United Kingdom alone, there are approximately 12 million dogs owned as pets, according to The Statista. That's 12 million reasons to support the call for a wider, more impactful initiative.

It's high time we looked beyond isolated actions and focused on the broader spectrum of issues related to dog ownership and public safety.
Sign this petition to call for the reinstatement of mandatory licenses for dog owners, for safer neighbourhoods and a fairer system for our beloved pets.