Dogs Trust & RSPCA Seek Public Views on Dog Ownership

With approximately 13 million dogs living in the United Kingdom, dogs have become a common part of daily life, appearing in parks, streets, and even on public transport. As their presence continues to grow, questions have emerged about what responsible dog ownership should look like in modern society. In response, the Dogs Trust and the RSPCA have launched a national consultation to gather public opinions on responsible dog ownership and help create clearer expectations for owners across the country.

Research conducted by YouGov on behalf of the two charities found that 96% of dog owners believe they are responsible owners. According to those surveyed, the most important aspects of responsible ownership include picking up dog waste in public areas, ensuring dogs are safe and well cared for, and providing proper training and socialisation. These responses suggest that most dog owners believe they understand and follow good practices when caring for their pets.

However, the research also highlights a significant gap between how owners view their behaviour and how the public experiences it. The survey revealed that 86% of people in the UK have encountered problems caused by irresponsible dog owners, and 25% witness such behaviour at least once a week. One of the most common complaints is dog waste being left in public spaces. Although owners ranked cleaning up after dogs as the most important responsibility, 72% of respondents reported seeing dog mess left on the ground.

Other examples of irresponsible behaviour were also reported. About 34% of people said they had seen dogs jumping up at strangers, while 33% observed dogs being walked off-lead in areas where this is not allowed. In addition, 25% of respondents reported seeing owners ignore aggressive behaviour from their dogs, which raises concerns about safety in public places. These issues are particularly worrying as data from the NHS shows that dog-related injuries in the UK are increasing.

Further evidence of concern comes from the Dogs Trust National Dog Survey, which collected information on over 340,000 dogs. The survey revealed that 40% of dog owners worry about the behaviour of other people’s dogs, particularly when it comes to keeping their own pets safe. This indicates that even responsible owners may feel uneasy about the actions of others in shared spaces.

To address these issues, Dogs Trust and the RSPCA have developed a Responsible Dog Ownership Framework. The aim of this framework is to create a clearer and more consistent understanding of what responsible ownership involves. It focuses on several areas, including how dogs and people can safely share public spaces, how owners should manage their dogs’ behaviour, and how they can ensure their pets live healthy and happy lives.

The newly launched national consultation invites members of the public to share their views on the framework. The organisations hope the feedback will help refine the guidelines and encourage wider adoption across the country. Ultimately, the goal is for the framework to be used by local governments, police forces, animal welfare organisations, and community groups, ensuring that all dog owners have a shared understanding of responsible behaviour.

By promoting clearer standards and encouraging public participation, Dogs Trust and the RSPCA aim to improve relationships between dog owners, their pets, and the wider community while ensuring the wellbeing and safety of both dogs and people.