Ministers reject dog licensing scheme

Ministers have rejected a dog ownership licence scheme proposed by a taskforce to promote better control and reduce attacks on dogs.

A report published on Thursday stated that the government should consider new legal requirements for dog owners, citing rising dog attacks and growing concerns about responsible pet ownership.

The Responsible Dog Ownership Taskforce was established in 2022 following high-profile dog attacks. The taskforce's report noted a 77% rise in hospital admissions relating to dog bites since 2011.

Until 1987, dog owners in England, Wales and Scotland had to pay an annual fee to get an ownership licence. The scheme was scrapped on the grounds that the amount of money it raised was outweighed by the operating costs.

Dog owners in Northern Ireland still have to buy a licence of £12. 50, or £5 if the owner receives an income-related benefit. In France, owners of the most dangerous dogs have to get special permits which can involve passing a training course and putting the dog through a behavioural assessment.

Switzerland previously required potential dog owners to complete a knowledge test, followed by a practical, but this condition has been scrapped.

The report said that most members of the taskforce backed introducing legal requirements for dog owners but