The RSPCA and some of the UK’s largest animal charities, law enforcement agencies and unions have today jointly called on the leaders of the main political parties to work together to introduce improved and updated legislation to protect dog welfare and public safety.

The 20 groups have come together to demand action against irresponsible dog owners by the government and the provision of necessary resources for those tasked with policing dog control laws, H&C is pleased to learn.

4000 respond to Defra consultation

This comes ahead of the summary of responses from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (Defra) consultation on dog legislation, which is expected this autumn. The consultation received more than 4,000 responses by the time it closed in June.

The following statement will be sent to Prime Minister David Cameron MP, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg MP and acting leader of the opposition Harriet Harman MP.

Irresponsible owners

It reads: "We believe that irresponsible dog ownership, whether it is allowing dogs to stray, be dangerously out of control or indiscriminately breeding them, causes significant problems for the safety and welfare of both humans and animals.

Current legislation is proving inadequate in many cases to ensure sufficient protection.

We believe that both the provision of sufficient resources at a local level for local authorities and the police, and updated and consolidated legislation that has a genuine preventative effect, are needed to address this problem.

We call on the coalition government to act and bring forward legislation that addresses these areas effectively."

Organisations band together

Organisations signed up to the statement include: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, The Blue Cross, The British Horse Society, British Veterinary Association (BVA), Chartered Institute for Environmental Health (CIEH), Communication Workers Union (CWU), Dogs Trust, GMB (Britain's General Union), Guide Dogs for the Blind, International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM), The Kennel Club, The Mayhew Animal Home, National Dog Warden Association (NDWA), PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals), Police Federation, Prospect, RSPCA, TUC (Trades Union Congress), UNISON, Unite the union.