written by Ryan O’Meara

The UK is saddled with some of the worst thought out, most ill effective laws on dog control anywhere in the world. We simply have failed to get it right when it comes to protecting the public from dangerous dog (owners).

I am, by trade, a dog trainer. I understand dogs and I have a reasonable understanding of people.

We have a problem in as much as whilst it remains a person’s ‘right’ to have a dog, regardless of their suitability or level of understanding about the animal, we will have ignorance and a failure to accept responsibility for the actions of the dogs in the care of some, un-qualified owners.

I propose the introduction of a dog owner suitability test akin to the driving licence theory exam. I feel people should earn the right to own a dog rather than be given that ‘right’ without proving themselves capable.

I feel a dog owner suitability test would protect good dogs from bad owners and would compel dog owners to a basic, minimum level of understanding about the animal in their care - something which is sadly lacking today.

If we want radically different results when it comes to driving down dog attacks and protecting the public from the dogs of irresponsible dog owners, we need a radically different law. The UK should be brave enough and honest enough to lead from the front. Show the rest of the world we are a true nation of animal lovers rather than a nation of apologists. Why is it right that a dog will ALWAYS have to pay with its own life when it is badly let down by un-informed owners?

Let’s turn the tables and introduce the law that will make it impossible for ill equipped dog owners to use ignorance as an excuse for their dog’s anti social behaviour.

READ THE FULL DOG OWNERSHIP SUITABILITY TEST PROPOSAL HERE