Introducing the Cú Charter: Advocating for Responsible Dog Ownership (RDO)
CuPooch has launched a petition via Change.org to city and county councils across Ireland to establish the Cú Charter, a set of fundamental rights and responsibilities for dog ownership and RDO status.
In today’s urbanized society, dogs play a vital role in our lives, but with this comes the need for responsible ownership. The Cú Charter aims to address this by setting clear guidelines and promoting better practices for dog-related matters.
Why the Cú Charter?
In the words of Leonardo Da Vinci, “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” This philosophy underscores the urgent need for action to promote responsible dog ownership. Here are some compelling statistics:
- 25% increase in dog ownership over the last decade.
- 80% of the global population is expected to be urbanized within the next 10 years.
- 27% rise in complaints related to dog issues last year.
- 7 in 10 people have encountered dog waste on streets.
- 51% of people have found dog waste in local parks.
The Cú Charter: Key Principles
The Cú Charter focuses on owner responsibilities through both incentives and enforcement. Here’s what it proposes:
- Awareness and Responsibility: Dog owners should be fully aware of their responsibilities regarding dog licensing, welfare, control, and public health.
- Enforcement through Technology: Utilize mandatory microchips to enable authorities to issue fines for non-compliance with licensing, dog fouling, and other regulations.
- Funding for Infrastructure: Increase annual dog license fees to fund designated off-lead areas in parks and beaches.
- Proper Waste Management: Install dog waste bins in popular dog-walking areas with regular servicing.
- Sustainable Waste Bags: Require all dog waste bags to meet international composting standards.
- Innovative Solutions: Promote the development of composting bins and biogas streetlights powered by dog waste.
- Scooping Devices: Encourage innovations in scooping devices and carrying kits for hygienic dog waste management.
- Ban Commercial Breeding Farms: Make large-scale commercial dog breeding and puppy farms illegal.
- Collaborative Oversight: Establish a forum with animal welfare charities, veterinary bodies, registered breeders, and local authorities to oversee and make recommendations on dog-related issues.
- Centralized Governance: Streamline dog affairs into a single government department.
Supporting Responsible Dog Ownership
By endorsing the Cú Charter, communities can improve dog-friendly outdoor facilities, ensuring that waste stations are installed and maintained, and providing dog owners with safe and hygienic waste disposal methods.
Become a Recognised Responsible Dog Owner
Our proposal to further promote responsible ownership is to introduce a new RDO status where dog owners can apply for Responsible Dog Owner status, which offers a reduced annual registration fee. Here’s how it works:
- Application Period: Open from 1 August until 30 April of the following year.
- Benefits: Successful applicants receive discounted registration rates upon renewal.
- Criteria: Owners must demonstrate responsible dog ownership, timely payment of fees, and compliance with legal requirements.
Failure to pay registration fees by the 31 July deadline may result in losing Responsible Dog Owner status for two years.
Conclusion
The Cú Charter represents a comprehensive approach to modern dog ownership, addressing the needs of dogs and their owners in an increasingly urban society. By supporting this initiative, we can ensure a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable environment for everyone.
Join us in promoting responsible dog ownership and improved public facilities for dogs by supporting the Cú Charter. Sign the petition today.
