Our 'Pawlitical' Manifesto
A guide to how the next government can improve dog welfare and control.
Ahead of the general election and the development of a new programme for government, we have created a ‘Pawlitcal Manifesto’ - our guide to how the next government can improve dog welfare and control.
The challenges that we and the wider dog welfare sector are facing right now are complex. However, with the implementation of five new policy measures detailed in our manifesto, we believe Ireland can bring about a step-change in dog welfare and control.
As we head into the General Election 2024 we are asking all political parties and candidates to consider our five solutions.
How the next Government can create a better future for dogs
- Create a new position in government - a new Junior Minister with responsibility for animal welfare and control
- End cruel breeding practices
- Enable full traceability of dogs
- Improve dog control and public safety
- Enable more dogs to remain with their family in rented homes
1. A new Junior Minister with responsibility for animal welfare and control
Currently no one in government has sole responsibility for the welfare of dogs. Our first ask is for a Junior Minister for Animal Welfare and control which we believe will be the Greatest Gift the government can give dogs.
This new role will help bring together key policy areas that impact dog breeding, welfare, control and responsible ownership, that are currently separated by siloes across multiple government departments.
They will help legislate for, regulate and enforce policies to protect the public, dog owners and our beloved pets.
2. End cruel breeding practices
Sadly we have seen the horror in too many dogs’ eyes because of the cruelty and neglect they suffer on puppy farms. This needs to stop.
To improve dog welfare standards, we believe anyone breeding, selling, or transferring the ownership of a puppy or litter of puppies should be registered and licensed.
We want to see an urgent review of the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010 including the 2018 guidelines, and for the legislation to be properly enforced and resourced so that negligent and abusive breeders can be held accountable.
3. Enable full traceability of dogs
Full traceability will mean we can put the right safeguards in place to future-proof the welfare of every dog in this country, and ultimately create a safer society for dogs, their owners and the public.
To achieve this, we need to change how we currently capture data on all dogs in this country. A brand new government-held database needs to be created, with information on every touchpoint in a dog's life – for example, their parentage, breeder, microchipping, licensing and details of dog-related incidents.
4. Improving dog control and public safety
We want everyone to feel safe around dogs and for dog owners to feel empowered.
Evidence has shown that breed-based bans aren't effective. We believe addressing the root causes of dog aggression, whatever the breed, will be the most effective long-term strategy.
We're also calling for better education and support for responsible dog owners including regulation of the dog training and behaviour sector.
5. Enable more dogs to remain with their family in rented homes
One of the top reasons people seek to relinquish their dogs to us is accommodation issues.
There are now more people renting in Ireland than ever before* and finding privately rented accommodation that allows dogs can be very difficult, as landlords can enforce ‘no dog’ policies. In some cases, owners are forced into the impossible decision to give up their dog or else face becoming homeless.
We are calling for the law to change to give renting dog owners’ rights, while making sure landlords and their properties are also protected. We would like to see Section 12 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 amended to prohibit blanket bans on pets in tenancy agreements. This will help more dogs remain with their family, reducing surrenders to pounds and rescues, and abandonment of dogs across the country.
We are optimistic that with a focus on these five areas a future government can improve the landscape of dog welfare and control in this country for the better.
We also have a downloadable copy of our manifesto available for you to download and print at home.
Dogs Trust urgently calls on Irish government to appoint a Junior Minister for Animal Welfare
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