Written question asked by Angela C Smith (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 24 October 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 October 2019. It was answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative) on Tuesday, 29 October 2019 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dogs: Animal Welfare

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has commissioned research on (a) regulations in relation to dog and (b) responsible dog ownership policies in EU countries.

Answer: Defra commissioned research on responsible dog ownership with Middlesex University. The research aims to update the review Defra commissioned previously in 2010 which considered risk factors around dog attacks, as well as reviewing the use of enforcement around dog control issues, identifying best practice case studies and how to promote responsible dog ownership. As part of the research, the team will draw on relevant evidence from a number of EU countries including the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Spain. The research is due to be completed by the end of 2019. The Government will discuss the findings with stakeholders including dog welfare organisations who have contributed to the research.

Secondary information