Since launching the draft proposal on the 7th March 2008, various dog related forums have been lightly discussing some of the pros and cons of the Dog Ownership Suitability Test.

Here are a selection of threads (open for public viewing) discussing the proposal:

The Refuge Discusses Dog Owner Suitability Test

I am sorry but I had to laugh at the proposal. Nothing new and will not work as it is impossible to implement. Oh and btw, HOW many people have a driving licence and can’t drive properly??

Pet Forums Discusses the Proposal

 I think its a excellent idea!! I have a fear of yorkshire terriers, Staffies and Jack russles…because of bad expeirences when i was a child. Between my dog being attacked and me not so much being attack but had a good go at, I can barely not wet myself when im around these dogs which is a terrible shame because they can all be lovely dogs!!

DogChat Discusses the Proposal

 The draft as it stands imho shows the start of a workable law that will help owners be aware of their responsibilties prior to getting a dog, monitor the transfer and sales of dogs, and carry repercussions for those who fail to follow the proposed law. It also suggests the NDWA proposal which (i must read again!) was much better than the CODA the DDASG have proposed.

I look forward to seeing how this progresses

LurcherLink Discusses the Dog Ownership Test

The basic idea for this is fine but what worries me is who is going to enforce it?
The police - maybe not seeing what a great success they have made of interpreting the DDA …
My fear is that (as in everything) if it ever comes to force then it will be on a shoe-sting and ‘ignorance’ can lead to all sorts of problems.

DogPages Discusses the Test

Initial thoughts were that this would be very very difficult to police. But I did like the last part of the proposal, where it suggests that any business etc would have to check that people would have the ‘breeders’ license.