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CAWC
clarify dog registration ‘timetable’
THE
‘TIMETABLE’ to proposed compulsory registration for
dogs and cats was clarified by the President of an animal pressure
group which is one of many consultative bodies to advise the
Government.
Three weeks ago, the Companion Animal Welfare Council (CAWC)
launched its report on the Identification and Registration of
Companion Animals at a meeting in London which was opened by
DEFRA Minister Elliot Morley.
However, Kennel Club representatives present at the meeting
were concerned to note that within the CAWC recommendations,
the DIG (Dog Identification Group) report, of which the Kennel
Club was secretariat, was referred to. The DIG report –
published in 2000 - recommended a five year period of voluntary
identification to be monitored and targeted to achieve an 80%
uptake by the end of that period. The CAWC report appeared to
state that two years of the five-year trial term have already
been completed, which is incorrect as, to date, the DIG report
has not been taken up by Government. CAWC have recommended that
compulsory permanent identification and registration of all
dogs should commence in three years’ time, which is clearly
at odds with the Kennel Club view that the DIG trial has not
begun.
There weeks ago, OUR DOGS attempted to make contact with CAWC
– who have recently moved their HQ from London to Essex
– and thus garner a comment, but were unsuccessful.
However, CAWC’s President, Lord Soulsby has since contacted
OUR DOGS and has clarified the terms of the CAWC report and
attempted to allay the apparent discrepancy on the timetable
for dog (and cat) registration.
Lord Soulsby said: "I believe the clock started ticking
when our report was launched three weeks ago.
Basically, the DIG report from two years ago and the CAWC report
in October 2002 are two separate documents, although both include
and draw upon similar evidence. Both also reach similar conclusions
regarding animal registration, which is significant.
"CAWC have indicated that a three year-period for the take
up of voluntary dog registration, followed compulsory registration
is a reasonable time and this is entirely coincidental with
the DIG report, which referred to a five year period for voluntary
registration when it was launched two years ago.
"As yet, the Government have not replied to our report,
although I am aware that they are sympathetic to both CAWC and
the DIG's recommendations on voluntary dog registration."
Caroline's Kisko, General Secretary of the kennel Club responded
to Lord Soulsby’s comments, saying: "The Kennel Club
still views this report with some concern since it advocates
the compulsory permanent identification of all dogs within three
years and of all cats in five years.
"While the aims may be laudable, the practicalities are
very different and the Kennel Club continues to work towards
the voluntary permanent identification of dogs based on the
benefits to be gained through peace of mind for the owner rather
than a 'heavy handed' approach towards registration. "It
would appear that our concerns have been echoed by the NCDL,
as Clarissa Baldwin, the Chief Executive, has just recently
said that mandatory registration is not the answer. I know that
the Kennel Club and the NCDL are not the only two organisations
which oppose compulsory registration."
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