To think that people should need to have a licence in order to get a dog?

[Spryte]

The issuing of which would mean having taken a few classes to show they know what it entails and how to look after the animal properly/safely? Or something along those lines anyway...

We have licences in NI. Still masses of dogs wandering about, huskies in tiny houses etc.

Anyone can get a licence though, there's no conditions.

If I understand correctly, the OP wasn't suggesting that a license should be expensive, rather that it should involve showing commitment by going to some basic dog owner awareness classes.

If that were the case, and the license/classes didn't cost much (say not more than the 2 x the average monthly cost of feeding a dog - so people would just have to put off getting one for a couple of months) then I would think it would be an excellent idea.

Sure, plenty of people who know perfectly well how to care for an animal would have to go to some classes when they took on a new pet - but IMO if that reduced the numbers of animals in shelters/abandoned/neglected it would be well worthwhile.

YABU, there used to be a licence system it didn't work hence why it was scrapped.

Licensing would only serve to penalise the responsible, law abiding citizens, lets face it if your illegally owning / breeding a banned breed your hardly gonna go declare it by appllying for a licence are you.

Good points Takver
Gobbledegood Just because some people will abuse the system , it doesn't mean it's not a valid idea. You always get people who won't conform.

Indeed it would make it easier to punish irresponsible owners - you would only have to prove they didnt have a licence, rather than drag them through court debating the ins and outs of what they have done.

YABU

It's unenforceable and serves no purpose. The idiots will ignore it and continue just as they are. Responsible owners, who already act responsibly will comply. So effectively it's will only affect those least in need of being licenced.

Northern Ireland has a dog licence system in place and compulsory microchipping. Sadly, it has the highest rate of stray dogs per capita of population of any area of the UK.

Wales is another area of the UK with high rates of straying. Consultation closes tomorrow on the introduction of compulsory chipping. This is a positive step but is only part of the mosaic of factors affecting responsible dog ownership.

Yanbu. The classes should also include 'How to pick up your dog's vile mess'!! Bleugh.

YANBU there is kids around here trying to walk huskies and husky type puppies it drives me mad anybody can have a dog as long as they have the money for them,

YANBU.I'd like to see a kind of visible license number too so bad dogs and owners could get reported more.

The class should include informing owners that their new dog does not have a right to invade people's space or to leap,lick and terrify anybody.

I think the microchipping is a brilliant idea but how would you police it somebody breeds dogs and maybe not themost honest person and sells puppies , you cant expect 'somebody' to check every dog for a microchip,

I also think one reported bite and you lose your license(mother of bitten child who still sees the guilty German Shepard dog going for a walk in a public place past children not on a lead).

YANBU but v hard to be enforced and made workable

LaurieFairyCake I don't understand how it is a tax on poor people?? It would affect everyone equally unless poor people have some special need for dog's that I am unaware of?

KickTheGuru

"Could I add in a DNA database to identify dog poo culprits? "

Lol lashingsofbingeinghere QFT