The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill is
currently proceeding through Parliament. One part of the Bill
deals with stray dogs. Currently the responsibility for dealing
with more than 100,000 dogs that stray every year is split between
the Local Authority and the police. In most areas of the UK the
Local Authority will be responsible for stray dogs from 9-5, Monday
to Friday and the police cover the rest.
However, the Bill proposes to remove all responsibility from
the police for dealing with strays. Dogs Trust supports this in
principle but is concerned that Local Authorities will not provide
an adequate out-of-hours service. The Minister responsible, Alun
Michael, has refused to accept an amendment that makes it absolutely
clear that Local Authorities must provide some facility 24 hours
a day to deal with stray dogs.
Dogs Trust fears that the failure to include in the Bill the
duty of Local Authorities to provide a full service will mean
that some do not do so. The consequence would be that more dogs
suffer and possibly even die as a result of straying.
The Bill has now passed from the House of Commons to the House
of Lords so there is still time to amend it. Dogs Trust is asking
for your help in attempting to have the Bill amended. Please do
this now – all you need to do is send an email to Alun Michael
stating your belief that there should be a clear duty to Local
Authorities to provide a 24 hour facility with regards the care
of stray dogs.
Email the Minister at alun.michael@defra.gsi.gov.uk
