§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation for a dog register with provisions to ensure that local authority dog warden services provide advice and guidance on the care and control of dogs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryNo. The Government have already secured the necessary legislation for the control of dogs, in the Environmental Protection Act 1990. We intend to bring the relevant sections into force on the 1 April 1992. A draft circular on the implementation of these provisions has been published.
Regional seminars entitled "Dogs in the Community" have recently been held to explain the new provisions to local authorities and other bodies. These form part of a general campaign I launched in August to promote responsible dog ownership and the proper care of dogs. This will also include a special campaign week next spring aimed at increasing public awareness on this topic.
Many local authorities already employ dog wardens and others will be recruiting before the new provisions 72W come into force. Local authorities may well wish to ask their dog wardens to provide advice and guidance on the care and control of dogs.