"Ahead of the General Election on December 12th, the new Kennel Club manifesto, ‘A Voice for Dogs’, calls upon the incoming government to reshape the laws surrounding dog welfare and provide stronger support to their owners. The wide-ranging nine-point plan highlights the key issues facing dogs and their owners, and details the legislative changes and measures which need to be taken to deliver far greater protection for dogs across the UK.

The manifesto refers to the commitments made by the previous government, following ongoing campaigning by the Kennel Club against the barbaric use of electric shock collars. After widespread cross-party support and a public consultation, the previous government announced its intention to ban these devices. However, as a result of a High Court legal challenge which was recently dismissed, this legislation was unable to be introduced before the early dissolution of parliament. With the next government equipped to introduce the ban, the Kennel Club want to see this implemented without any further delay.

The manifesto also places an emphasis on encouraging responsible dog breeding."

Key manifesto asks of our ‘A Voice for Dogs’ Manifesto are:

•Breeding – Simplify the 2018 dog breeding regulations by removing the business test and ensure that the licensing system is more proportionate for low volume breeders. Fully embed the Assured Breeder Scheme into the 2018 Regulations.
•Microchipping – Review and raise standards of database operators and implanter training providers to ensure a better service for pet owners.
•Dog walking – To require local authorities to ensure that there is provision of accessible and practical space for dog owners to walk their dogs off lead.
•Shock collars – Ban the use of remote control electric shock collars which are unethical, ineffective, and cruel.
•Cruelty to Dogs - Extend maximum prison sentences for animal cruelty to five years
•Livestock Worrying – Develop a campaign to reduce the impact of unaccompanied dogs in livestock attacks.
•Dangerous Dogs – Repeal breed specific legislation in favour of evidence-based dog control legislation.
•Fireworks – Introduce measures to prevent the ongoing distress fireworks are causing to our dogs, including reducing the decibel limit of fireworks.
•Pet Travel – Amend both non-commercial and commercial pet travel rules to better protect both the canine and human population

A Voice for Dogs Manifesto

I'd like to hope that the incoming Government would consider reducing, or removing VAT on VET BILLS.   This past month/end of the previous month alone, for my lad's 'cyst/abscess' I've now contributed £9.85 X 2 and £7.94.   That's going on almost £30 FOR WHAT!!!

And it's still not done as I have to take him back in another week for a check after having an extension of the a/bs today.   I just hope my Savings outlast this boy.

To me, these are all welcome moves, but I would like to have seen dog theft included on the list. As long as dogs are purely classified in law as a personal chattel, (property), this is a crime which is frequently easy to carry out, and will only carry a minimal punishment if the person responsible is caught. The level of distress to the dog's owner is deeply felt, and will continue for years afterwards.
Also, it is time we had a real debate about the role that dogs, - and also cats and monkeys - serve in research laboratories. Not only in the nature of the experiments, but also the degree of deprivation in the way that they are housed. I do know that other experimental species are sentient, and are suffering too, but think that it is necessary to highlight the species closest to us to make the greatest initial impact.

I would like kennel Club registered to be more of a mark of quality breeding which it is not right now.  for starters only register puppies that have parents that have passed the health tests relevant for their breed.

>I'd like to hope that the incoming Government would consider reducing, or removing VAT on VET BILLS.

Amen to that MamaBas

> Amen to that MamaBas

Some while ago, I wrote to Scott Mann, the local MP here about this and although he sympathised, I didn't get much further - but at least I did raise it and he did respond.   Which is why he got my vote this time round - and was elected.   The Lib Dem candidate is a vet btw!!   Perhaps he should have got in...?   Perhaps I should have another go at Scott and others might get onto their MPs?

>Perhaps I should have another go at Scott and others might get onto their MPs?

I very much suspect that the Government make a fortune from 'Vet Meds' though, so it will take something quite monumental to get them to give up that income stream. Then again, if no one tries we will never know! Maybe it is time to petition the KC about it too?

If vat was to be removed while.they are doing that it would be useful to look at human meds and health services .there is vat payable in some areas there that we would be very pleased to do without