Complaints of dog mess and bad behaviour but most owners claim to be responsible

"Research by pollster YouGov suggests an overwhelming majority of dog owners (96 per cent) say they are responsible yet 86 per cent of people have encountered issues including dog mess, dogs jumping up on them without permission and dogs off the lead."

"The YouGov research found 96 per cent of dog owners consider themselves to be responsible, saying the most important aspects were picking up their dog's waste in public, ensuring dogs are safe and taken care of, and proper training and socialisation."

The UK's dog population has reached a record high of at least 13 million, creating a new national divide between dog owners and the general public. YouGov research reveals a stark contrast: 96 percent of dog owners consider themselves responsible, citing waste management, dog safety, and proper training as key responsibilities. However, 86 percent of people have experienced problems including dog mess, dogs jumping on them without permission, and dogs off-lead. Dogs Trust and RSPCA have launched a national consultation to establish shared definitions of responsible dog ownership and address the growing disconnect between owner perceptions and public experience.

Read at www.independent.co.uk