01.

PROTECT ALL DOGS

Humans made dogs to be our best friends; our relationship used to be reciprocal. But today, dogs have become a commodity – bred, bought, sold and mistreated at will. We need to reset the human-canine relationship by protecting all dogs and ensure their welfare.

02.

REGULATE THE HUMANS

Wunderdog calls for an education-based, compassionate dog licence akin to a theoretical driving test. We also call for regulation to stamp out dogs’ suffering at our hands, e.g. through illicit breeding, unregulated trainers and fireworks.

01.

PROTECT ALL DOGS

1.1

Protect all dogs as sentient beings under law

The government to extend the Animal Welfare Act (2006) to all dogs, incl. those used for racing, hunting and experiments.

1.2

End BSL and overhaul the Dangerous Dogs Act

The government to scrap breed-specific legislation (BSL) and overhaul the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

1.3

End animal testing on beagles (and all other animals)

We call for an immediate cancellation of all licences pertaining to the breeding, selling and using of dogs for animal testing. These licences are issued by the Home Office. The government must urge the science sector to switch to non-animal methods.

1.4

Extend breeding licences and improve council expertise

The government to extend the need for a breeding licence to all dog owners, to curb over-supply and bad breeding.

why now?

31% of households have a dog.

72% of lockdown pups were given up after lockdown.

27% rise in cruelty towards animals since 2020.
Read our case for improving dog welfare legislation here.

1.5

Tighten import control

The government to continue working with UK rescue charities that are active overseas to improve regulations.

1.6

Ban the import of puppies younger than six months

Following its consultation on the matter in August 2021, we call on the government to see this ban through.

1.7

Ban the import of dogs with cropped ears and tails

The government must follow through on its pledge to stop all imports of dogs with cropped ears and tails. These practices are cosmetic and illegal in England and Wales, under Section 5 of the Animal Welfare Act (2006).

1.8

End greyhound racing

We support the call by several dog welfare charities to phase out this cruel ‘sport’ over the next five years.

1.9

Ban shock and prong collars

The ban on shock collars and prong collars is long overdue, and the government must finally act.

VOTE DOG

With The Dog Manifesto, we bring together existing campaigns by dog welfare groups and new demands published in Wunderdog Magazine. We’re producing The Dog Manifesto podcast episodes with campaigners, lawmakers and stakeholders, seek meetings with the governmental departments, and collect resources relevant to The Dog Manifesto’s demands. All this information will be collated on this website, and we’ve made available a distilled version as leaflets ahead of the next General Election. Click here to download our free leaflet! #votedog

02.

REGULATE THE HUMANS

2.1

Introduce an education-based dog licence

The government to mandate a dog licence akin to a theoretical driving test. Make training mandatory for all dog owners.

2.2

Make pet theft a specific offence

We call on the government to push through the Pet Theft Reform bill, as proposed by Dr. Daniel Allen.

SIGNED INTO LAW ON 24 MAY!

2.3

Pet-friendly tenancy reform

For the government pass the Renters (Reform) Bill through parliament as quickly as possible.

2.4

Restrict the use of fireworks

The government to restrict the use of fireworks. Councils to issue licences for fireworks and notify the public of displays.

2.5

Regulate dog trainers

Currently, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. This risks dog welfare and consumer protection. Trainers must be certified.

"we are calling for a mandatory, education-based dog licence that tests knowledge on dog training, behaviourism and care."

share your views

Contribute your insights to The Dog Manifesto and help building the case for better legislation. If you are an academic or scientist with relevant research, a politician or police officer with legislative/executive experience, a dog welfare advocate or a dog rescuer, a vet, trainer, farmer or breeder – share your knowledge and experiences. Email hello [at] dogmanifesto.org

LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST

The podcast for dog lovers who want to make a difference. Internationally leading voices in dog welfare discuss the issues raised in The Dog Manifesto. Learn about campaigning to improve the lives of dogs in the UK.

Listen to the podcast on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts from.

shop to support

You can support our campaign by buying some of our gorgeous merchandise on Teemill. The items get made to order, so there is no wastage. We get a small percentage of the sale which helps to keep The Dog Manifesto going. Plus, you help to spread the message about dog welfare!