The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has submitted its response to Defra’s consultation on the Dog Welfare Code.
BASC’s Jamie Stewart, who wrote the response, said: "BASC welcomes the introduction of the code but we are seeking clarification from Defra on several issues including the section on identification. BASC recognise that this code is to be primarily aimed at the pet/companion dog but several areas require recognition of working dogs and the activities in which such dogs engage and how they are housed, trained and nutritionally fed."
"BASC is seeking the inclusion of information in to the code which identifies certain types of dogs which are exempt from wearing collars under the Control of Dogs Order 1992. It is inappropriate for working dogs to wear collars, whilst engaged in the working field or training due to the risk of injury when crossing fences, in thick cover and when swimming. BASC believes that including such exemptions, particularly those for working dogs, would inform all those reading the code of the fact that working dog owners are acting within the law rather than flouting the rules."
ENDS