Charities say gap growing between owners’ views and public experience
TWO leading animal welfare charities have launched a national consultation on responsible dog ownership as the number of dogs living in Wales approaches a quarter of a million.
New research carried out by YouGov on behalf of Dogs Trust and RSPCA reveals a striking gap between how owners see themselves and how their behaviour is experienced by others.
According to the survey, 91 per cent of Welsh dog owners believe they are responsible. The most frequently cited aspects of good ownership included picking up dog waste, ensuring dogs are safe and well cared for, and providing proper training and socialisation.
However, 89 per cent of people in Wales say they have experienced issues with irresponsible dog ownership, with a third witnessing problems at least once a week.
Dog mess was the most common complaint, with 75 per cent of those who had observed irresponsible behaviour reporting that owners had failed to clear up after their pets. Around a third said they had seen dogs jumping up at people without permission, while a similar proportion reported dogs being off-lead in restricted areas.
Almost a quarter said they had witnessed owners ignoring aggressive behaviour in their dogs. The findings come at a time when NHS data shows dog-related injuries across the UK are continuing to rise.
Separate findings from Dogs Trust’s National Dog Survey, which gathered insights on more than 340,000 dogs, found that four in ten owners worry about the behaviour of other people’s dogs and what it means for the safety of their own pet.
With dogs now a daily presence in parks, on pavements and on public transport, the charities say there is a need for clearer expectations around ownership.
They have developed a Responsible Dog Ownership framework designed to create a shared understanding of what responsible behaviour looks like — both in public spaces and in providing dogs with a healthy, happy life.
The consultation, launched this week, invites both dog owners and non-owners to share their views. It is hoped the framework will eventually be adopted by local authorities, police forces and animal welfare groups across the country.
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said: “There are more dogs in the UK than ever before, and with so many now sharing our everyday spaces with us, it’s important that there is a consistent understanding of what it means to be a responsible dog owner.
“Responsible dog ownership benefits everyone, not just those with dogs, because safer, well cared for dogs help create safer communities.
“However, there is a clear gap between what owners perceive as responsible dog ownership and what people are experiencing, so we want to work to bridge the gap.”
Dr Samantha Gaines, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, added: “Owning a dog can be one of life’s greatest joys, and being a responsible owner is an essential part of that experience.
“This consultation will be invaluable in building a shared understanding of what responsible ownership looks like — from devoted dog owners to those who regularly interact with dogs — helping us make a positive difference to dog welfare and community safety.”
The consultation is now open and can be accessed via the Dogs Trust website.
