RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP

That this House believes that irresponsible dog ownership causes significant problems for the safety and welfare of both humans and animals; believes that to promote responsible dog ownership all dog owners should ensure their dogs are microchipped; notes that current legislation is proving inadequate to ensure sufficient protection for people and animals; believes there is a need to ensure there are sufficient resources at a local level potentially self-funded and a Bill that consolidates the legislation so that it has a genuine preventative effect, as well as tougher sanctions to address the problem; and calls on the Government to act forthwith and bring forward suitable proposals to achieve this.