The Responsible Dog Ownership Taskforce was established in 2022, including representation from the police, local authorities and animal welfare organisations.
On Thursday, a panel of experts suggested that the government consider new legal requirements for dog owners, including the potential introduction of a licensing scheme.
Taking action "as a matter of urgency"
The Dog Control Coalition, which includes the RSPCA and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home said it supported the recommendations made in the report, urging the government to take action "as a matter of urgency."
"Dog bite incidents continue to have serious consequences for people and dogs, and the time that has passed since the publication of The Middlesex Report, in 2021, makes it imperative that we now see progress." explained a spokesperson for the coalition.
A welcome report
A spokesperson for the environment department confirmed the report had been welcomed."Ministers are considering the Taskforce's recommendations, however we will not be introducing a new dog licensing scheme." he concluded.
The report included 20 recommendations, including an improvement in the recording of bite wounds and legal requirements for dog walkers across the UK.
