Please contact your MP and encourage them to sign this motion, your voice can make a difference.

That this House notes the continuing reports of allegations of cruelty and animal suffering associated with puppy farms; and calls upon the Government to review the effectiveness of the current procedures and legislation relating to animal safety in puppy farms.

http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=38257&SESSION=899

You can find you MP here.

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/

The Petition which has more than 4,000 names has been presented to the council. The calls came after the Y Byd as Bedwar programme on S4C exposed the horrendous conditions puppies were bred in at some farms in Carms.

Jan Gilmour who is organising the petition says CCC should stamp out the problem.

Horrendous

“Carmarthenshire is known as the puppy farm capital of the UK and that is a label no county wants when dogs are being kept in such horrendous conditions” she added.
“There are at least 90 licensed puppy farms in Carms – more than the rest of Wales put together. These dogs often die at a young age or have long-term health problems” she claimed.

Bitches are forced to breed when they are too young, or ill, or blind. Stud dogs are often killed afterwards – we’ve known some to be hanged or clubbed.

Carms head of public protection Philip Davies said:

“Carms has been in touch with a number of animal welfare organisations following the programme.
Council animal health officers visited the licensed dog breeding establishments featured in the programme and found no enforcement was necessary.

Once the petition is received it will be examined and the council will let the organiser know what is being done about it.

The council continues to work in partnership with Dogs Trust, local animal welfare rescue organisations, the RSPCA, local veterinary practitioners and the Assembly in raising standards among dog breeders through its membership of the Dyfed-Powys Companion Animal Welfare Forum”

For the first time, the UK’s most prominent animal welfare organisation has been prepared to publicly support calls for a repeal of section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA) – Section 1 is the part of the legislation which bans dogs based on their breed or type.

Section 1 of the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act is a highly controversial and widely criticised clause that promotes breed specific legislation. Many experts, law makers and dog lovers from around the UK and globally have seen the devastation caused by breed specific legislation – which outlaws dogs by ‘type’, meaning a dog is deemed ‘dangerous’ and illegal simply based on what it looks like and not because of any offence caused by the dog. As a result of breed specific legislation (BSL) in the UK, many innocent dogs have lost their lives since the law was brought in by Ken Baker in 1991.

Now the RSPCA has set the wheels in motion for other prominent welfare groups to come out and publicly call on the law makers to end section 1 and replace it with fair, effective dog laws which do not condemn dogs to death based on what the look like. The UK can put itself in a position to follow the example set by the Netherlands in repealing section 1 in favour of a law that will place the burden of responsibility on owners rather than terminating the lives of dogs who are guilty of nothing more than looking a certain way.

The move comes about following a productive and engaging meeting between the RSPCA’s Government Relations Manager, Claire Robinson, DDAWatch and the C- fidos at the end of 2008.

The RSPCA public backing for repeal gives anti BSL campaigners the boost they have been waiting for while sending a clear message to the Government that section 1 of the DDA is a failed, unfair concept that needs to be reformed without delay.

DDAWatch – an anti BSL campaign group – has congratulated the RSPCA on the decision to call for action having been previously disheartened to hear many organisations publicly state anti BSL positions but falling short of actually calling for an immediate repeal of section 1.

Alison Green of DDAWatch:

“We are so thrilled to see the RSPCA step up to the plate on such an important issue that has cost the lives of many innocent dogs. For those people who have been actively involved in fighting section 1 cases, for those of us who’ve seen dog owner’s lives ripped apart by this appalling law, which has not protected the public at all, this announcement from the RSPCA will hopefully herald the start of many more calls for repeal and eventually the repeal itself. Now owners and anti BSL campaigners alike have some hope to cling to after so many false dawns. Now we have the opportunity of a lifetime to finally get the Government to see sense. They need to listen to the RSPCA and make the right call. Section 1 has been an unmitigated failure and an animal welfare disaster. It is such a relief to hear the RSPCA being brave and honest enough to publicly call for a repeal where other influential and supposedly anti BSL organisations have fallen short, instead citing ‘political climate’ as a reason to keep BSL.”

Ryan O’Meara, chief executive of C-fidos:

“This is truly great news. It seems such a simple thing to do, to publicly support an end to BSL – especially given that the RSPCA and other major animal welfare organisations have publicly stated their position as being anti BSL – but despite the anti BSL positions held by many organisations and individuals we still have BSL and we have it because we still have section 1 of the DDA. The way to end BSL is to end section 1 and replace it. The RSPCA coming in with public support for the position held by C-fidos and DDAWatch gives legitimacy and momentum to campaigners to call on their government to end BSL. It’s no longer a concept, being anti BSL, it’s a real, tangible opportunity to call the government to account over a highly unfair, unpopular and completely unsuccessful law.”

The following aims and objectives have been arrived at following discussion between the members and leadership of the Dangerous Dogs Act Steering Group:

Long term aims

To achieve a repeal of the widely flawed section one of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

To ensure future canine legislation is not focused on the breed of dog but ensuring the capabilities of the owner to control that dog, regardless of its breed or type.

Short term aims

To raise the profile of the effect of the Dangerous Dogs Act on dogs in rescue and welfare organisations as well as in pet homes.

To work with relevant agencies to ensure the current legislation is enforced with the minimum distress to dogs, owners and the public.

To encourage the media to report incidents in such a way as to not cause fear but rather offer guidance to the public in an attempt to reduce potential incidents.

To ensure that the media and politicians are well briefed on how and why a repeal is so important and how they can assist in creating a better and more effective law.

To ensure that the public are well briefed on the deficiencies of Breed Specific Legislation and why it needs to be repealed.

To ensure that all dog owners are fully aware of their responsibilities under section three of the Dangerous Dogs Act.

The following aims and objectives have been arrived at following discussion between the members and leadership of the Homeless Dogs Steering Group:

Guiding Principles

That the UK should strive to address and reduce the number of dogs surrendered to shelters

and

That all potential dog owners should be better informed as to how to select responsible suppliers of dogs

Long Term Aims

To reduce the number of homeless dogs and/or increase resources for the rescue system such that no dog is destroyed for want of space.

To encourage initiatives that facilitate the re-unification of lost dogs and their owners.

and

To ensure that all potential dog owners are aware of how to select a responsible source and why it is important to do so.

To encourage tighter self-regulation among both breeders and rescue organisations.

Short Term Aims

To raise awareness of the plight of homeless dogs

To establish a resource to provide support and advice to owners who are considering the surrender of their dog.

To reduce surrender rates by supporting or initiating educational initiatives for potential owners.

and

To raise awareness of the problems associated with irresponsible supply of dogs.

To provide advice for potential owners when sourcing a dog.

To lobby media sources who carry advertisements for the sale of dogs to prominently display buying advice for readers.

Now though, moving in to 2009, thoughts must turn to addressing the issues raised and ensuring those involved in the regulation of dog breeding are given all the support and encouragement required to make life better for dogs and their owners. We all – surely – want a similar goal: A UK populated with happy, healthy dogs.

So with this in mind, C-fidos supporters are encouraged to take a look at the following proposal written by dog health campaigned Carol Fowler in conjunction with the members of a canine health interest group.

READ THE PROPOSAL: Addressing the weaknesses of under-regulated dog breeding practices in the United Kingdom

We are appealing for C-fidos members, supporters or ANY dog lover with concern for canine health and wellbeing to join in with this important process.

APGAW has asked written evidence from all interested parties and C-fidos is fully committed to this process. In particular we seek evidence on any information you may have on regulation of the industry, structure of the breeding and showing industry, identification of dogs to establish parentage and how current breed standards work.

The evidence should be presented in the following form;

A covering letter containing:

• the name and contact details of the persons or organisation submitting the evidence.

• any request that the committee treat the whole, or part, of the written evidence as confidential, with reasons for the request.

The evidence should be presented;

•with a word limit of 2,000 words

•in electronic form to admin@apgaw.org unless agreed otherwise with the secretariat.

•by the deadline of 1st February 2009

A self-contained memorandum containing;

• an executive summary of the main points made in the submission.

•any recommendations for action by the Government or others which the submitter would like the committee to consider for inclusion in its report.

NB The memorandum can be omitted if the evidence given is only one page long.

NB If evidence is submitted which falls outside of these conditions it will not be considered by the committee.

This is an open call for evidence and you are welcome to circulate the call more widely to those you feel may be interested in responding. Evidence submitted to APGAW may be published in the final report of the working group. Please direct any enquiries to Marisa Heath on 07736 899 547.

The above is if you would like to submit your proposal directly to APGAW. If you would prefer to submit your information to C-fidos and have it placed under consideration for inclusion in our own submission, please contact us with your information.

An all party group for members of both houses at Westminster formed to promote and further the cause

of animal welfare by all means available to the Parliaments at Westminster and in Europe
Chair: Eric Martlew MP; Joint Vice Chairs: Dr Nick Palmer MP & Rt Hon Eliot Morley MP
Joint Honorary Secretaries: Norman Baker MP, Baroness Gale, Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior; Treasurer: David Amess MP

The Coalition For Improved Dog Ownership Standards – C-fidos – is a not for profit officially affiliated partner of the Pet Owners Parliament.

The organisation is set up to work on initiatives that directly lead to the general improvement of dog ownership standards in the United Kingdom.

There are 7 founding principles and all work done by C-fidos is performed in common with these principles:

1) That dogs and society in the UK would benefit from a nation of better informed dog owners
2) That dog related legislation should be fair and not based on breed type
3) That the UK should strive to address and reduce the number of dogs surrendered to shelters
4) That all dog owners should be made aware of the principles of the Animal Welfare Act
5) That all potential dog owners should be better informed as to how to select responsible suppliers of dogs
6) That irresponsible suppliers and producers of dogs should be properly legislated against
7) That educating young people about dogs is to the great benefit of dogs and society in the future

1) That dogs and society in the UK would benefit from a nation of better informed dog owners
4) That all dog owners should be made aware of the principles of the Animal Welfare Act

Do you have a yearning to help us in our aim to ensure that the health priorities and welfare awareness of dogs bred and owned in the UK should lead the world?

If so, then The C-fidos The Canine Legislation (Excluding Dangerous Dogs Act) Steering Group would love to hear from you.

Head of Steering Group: [Not yet selected] Apply below:

Role of Head of Steering Group:

The head of a steering group is responsible for selecting and working with their own team within their particular steering group (members). This enables the running of C-fidos to be autonomous but highly structured.

The heads of the steering groups will work with the chair and chief executive on deciding group policy / strategy decisions and will then work with the members of their steering group and supporters / affiliates in executing agreed upon strategies.

What will the heads of the steering group need to do?

They will need to establish their plans and objectives within their sector and those objectives should correspond with one or more of the founding principles of the organisation.

They will develop plans: Along with support and guidance from the chair and chief executive the heads of the steering groups will decide what do they want to achieve? How can they set out to achieve it? What needs to happen to make it a reality? These plans will then be agreed and set in to action.

They will also need to provide regular position statements and supply updates on news or major events that are happening within their sector. For example, if we use the head of the C-fidos Dangerous Dogs Act steering group head for illustration – If DEFRA issued new DDA guidance, C-fidos would like to report and update its supporters with this news as well as outline and explain the implications of this change in legislation. It would be the role of the head of the DDA steering group, working alongside the members of this particular steering group to provide this information for publication and promotion to C-fidos supporters / affiliates.

Steering group heads are also encouraged to help promote the overall aims of C-fidos, encourage new supporters and constantly be on the look out for interesting people who could contribute to their own steering group.

official affiliate of: The Pet Owners Parliament

2) That dog related legislation should be fair and not based on breed type
6) That irresponsible suppliers and producers of dogs should be properly legislated against

Do you have a yearning to help us in our aim to ensure that UK dog legislation should be fair, effective and focused on owner responsibility?

If so, then The C-fidos The Canine Legislation (Excluding Dangerous Dogs Act) Steering Group would love to hear from you.

Head of Steering Group: [Not yet selected] Apply below:

Role of Head of Steering Group:

The head of a steering group is responsible for selecting and working with their own team within their particular steering group (members). This enables the running of C-fidos to be autonomous but highly structured.

The heads of the steering groups will work with the chair and chief executive on deciding group policy / strategy decisions and will then work with the members of their steering group and supporters / affiliates in executing agreed upon strategies.

What will the heads of the steering group need to do?

They will need to establish their plans and objectives within their sector and those objectives should correspond with one or more of the founding principles of the organisation.

They will develop plans: Along with support and guidance from the chair and chief executive the heads of the steering groups will decide what do they want to achieve? How can they set out to achieve it? What needs to happen to make it a reality? These plans will then be agreed and set in to action.

They will also need to provide regular position statements and supply updates on news or major events that are happening within their sector. For example, if we use the head of the C-fidos Dangerous Dogs Act steering group head for illustration – If DEFRA issued new DDA guidance, C-fidos would like to report and update its supporters with this news as well as outline and explain the implications of this change in legislation. It would be the role of the head of the DDA steering group, working alongside the members of this particular steering group to provide this information for publication and promotion to C-fidos supporters / affiliates.

Steering group heads are also encouraged to help promote the overall aims of C-fidos, encourage new supporters and constantly be on the look out for interesting people who could contribute to their own steering group.

official affiliate of: The Pet Owners Parliament

1) That dogs and society in the UK would benefit from a nation of better informed dog owners
7) That educating young people about dogs is to the great benefit of dogs and society in the future

Do you have a yearning to help us in our mission to put in place strategies to encourage a greater emphasis on the education of young people in relation to dog ownership and interaction between children and dogs?

If so, then The C-fidos Dogs and Children Steering Group would love to hear from you.

Head of Steering Group: [Not yet selected] Apply below:

Role of Head of Steering Group:

The head of a steering group is responsible for selecting and working with their own team within their particular steering group (members). This enables the running of C-fidos to be autonomous but highly structured.

The heads of the steering groups will work with the chair and chief executive on deciding group policy / strategy decisions and will then work with the members of their steering group and supporters / affiliates in executing agreed upon strategies.

What will the heads of the steering group need to do?

They will need to establish their plans and objectives within their sector and those objectives should correspond with one or more of the founding principles of the organisation.

They will develop plans: Along with support and guidance from the chair and chief executive the heads of the steering groups will decide what do they want to achieve? How can they set out to achieve it? What needs to happen to make it a reality? These plans will then be agreed and set in to action.

They will also need to provide regular position statements and supply updates on news or major events that are happening within their sector. For example, if we use the head of the C-fidos Dangerous Dogs Act steering group head for illustration – If DEFRA issued new DDA guidance, C-fidos would like to report and update its supporters with this news as well as outline and explain the implications of this change in legislation. It would be the role of the head of the DDA steering group, working alongside the members of this particular steering group to provide this information for publication and promotion to C-fidos supporters / affiliates.

Steering group heads are also encouraged to help promote the overall aims of C-fidos, encourage new supporters and constantly be on the look out for interesting people who could contribute to their own steering group.

official affiliate of: The Pet Owners Parliament