Key points
- The RSPCA and Dogs Trust have funded research into dog control costs across the UK
- The work is being carried out by the York Health Economics Consortium
- Researchers are exploring public views on whether dog licences could play a future role
- Dog licences were abolished in Great Britain in 1987
- BBC interviews in Devon and Cornwall found mixed reactions from dog owners
- No government plans to reintroduce dog licences have been announced
A new study exploring the possible reintroduction of dog licences in the UK has prompted mixed reactions from dog owners in south-west England.
According to reporting published by the Institute of Licensing, the research has been funded by the RSPCA and Dogs Trust and is being carried out by the York Health Economics Consortium.
The project is examining the costs associated with dog control across the UK and whether licensing could potentially contribute towards those costs.
What is the research looking at?
The study is exploring the wider financial impact linked to dog control, including enforcement and public safety concerns.
Researchers are also gathering public views on responsible dog ownership measures, including whether dog licences could play a role in the future.
The work is exploratory and there has been no government announcement regarding the return of dog licences.
What are dog guardians saying?
BBC interviews with dog owners in Devon and Cornwall found differing opinions on the idea of dog licences returning.
Some owners said a licensing system could encourage greater responsibility and improve standards of ownership, while others questioned how such a scheme would be enforced or whether it would be effective.
The BBC also asked the government whether dog licences could ever be reconsidered alongside existing legal requirements such as compulsory microchipping.
When were dog licences abolished?
Dog licences were abolished in Great Britain in 1987 after low participation rates among owners.
Today, microchipping remains a legal requirement for dogs over the age of eight weeks in England and Wales.
According to UK Pet Food figures referenced in the reporting, the UK is estimated to have around 15.5 million pet dogs.
What This Means for Dog Guardians
- No new dog licensing legislation has been announced
- The current work is an exploratory research project
- Existing microchipping laws remain unchanged
- Researchers are examining public opinion and dog control costs across the UK
Q&A: Could dog licences return in the UK?
Are dog licences returning?
No plans to reintroduce dog licences have been announced by the UK government.
The current work is exploratory research funded by the RSPCA and Dogs Trust.
Who is carrying out the research?
The study is being carried out by the York Health Economics Consortium.
Why are dog licences being discussed again?
The research is examining the costs associated with dog control across the UK and whether licensing could potentially contribute towards those costs.
Who funded the study?
The project has been funded by the RSPCA and Dogs Trust.
What laws already apply to dog owners?
In England and Wales, dogs over the age of eight weeks must legally be microchipped.
Other laws relating to dangerous dogs and dog control also remain in place, including legislation under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
You can read more in Yappily’s existing BSL and Banned Dog Breeds Guides and related dog law resources.
When were dog licences abolished?
Dog licences were abolished in Great Britain in 1987.
How many dogs are there in the UK?
The reporting referenced estimates from UK Pet Food suggesting there are around 15.5 million pet dogs in the UK.
Resource Links for further reading:
Institute of Licensing:
Study Into Reintroducing Dog Licences Prompts Mixed Reaction in South West
BBC News:
BBC News coverage
RSPCA:
RSPCA official website
Dogs Trust:
Dogs Trust official website
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