As some people may know, for a number of years I've been somewhat 'banging on' about issues affecting pets and that despite the fact that half the population of this nation is a pet owner, we have no real representation in terms of being able to have a say on the incredibly important issues that affect us all as pet owners.
If you're a pet owner, your decisions are made for you in terms of laws introduced, rules, regulations and general policy toward all things affecting domestic animals and their welfare.
Some may also know that I've been 'banging on' about the need for a reform of dog laws particularly in relation to reducing the number of dog attacks and in terms of improving the lives of dogs by having better education of prospective owners. My view is that we should have a dog ownership suitability test as law.
With these things in mind I am delighted to be able to officially, but at this stage quite quietly, announce the launch of:
'The Pet Owners Parliament'.
The stated aims are pretty simple.
To give a voice and representation to people (pet owners), employees in the pet industry and organisations who are involved with domestic pets but who feel marginalised or out of the loop in terms of having a say in the major pet related issues of the day.
The organisation will operate on a one member one vote policy. Which means, in simple terms, if you are UK resident and you are above 16 years of age and you become a member of the Pet Owners Parliament (which will cost you not a single penny) then your vote counts. It counts equal to ANY other member. Your vote
means something.
The Pet Owners Parliament (P.O.P) will seek to shape policy ideas and proposals which are aimed at making life better for pets, their owners and society at large. The size and credibility of this organisation is what will lead to the proposals it brings forward being taken seriously.
P.O.P is for anyone and everyone who has something to contribute on issues affecting domestic pet welfare and the role of domestic animals in British society.
P.O.P seeks to attract people who have real views about things that affect them personally or professionally.
The organisation's board will be made up of people who perhaps do not come from 'high level board' positions in their normal lives, but instead people who are passionate and commited about making improvements to the lives of domestic animals in the UK, however or whatever they may be.
It will also include the views and input of animal welfare organisations who, on their own are considered small, but when united under one banner will have a more influential voice in the grand scheme of political debate on domestic animal related issues.
I honestly believe this is an organisation that can get things done. An organisation which can and will attract a membership and input from people who are in it for the right reasonse. Ultimately I believe it is something that can affect positive change rather than just talking about what's wrong with the pet world - which is fine, but can also be frustrating.
This is literally two years worth of planning and right now the only thing anyone can actually do is read the constitution of the group.
I see P.O.P as something which can link people together who share similar goals. It needs to stand on it's own feet and it can not and will not be a business.
For the sake of clarity right from the very outset, I intend to get it up and running and then step back and let it run smoothly and evolve naturally under the stewardship of the members, officers and management board whoever they may be. It should stand or fall on its own merits over the long term and not be a vehicle for a small number of influential committee members to call all the shots.
It is not a business venture for me but I do think it will benefit from being run along the lines of an efficient 'get things done' organisation rather than a club which is constrained by internal politics or personal disputes which cripple it from being able to make decisions on policy. It is and always will be non commercial and non profit making but should be run along business lines with clear targets and constantly evolving aims and ambitions.
I am commited to it and passionate about it and I know for absolute certain that there are people who will be as equally commited and passionate about it as I feel.
The first item of business for P.O.P to debate when it opens for business on April the 1st, will be my Dog Ownership Suitability Test proposal.
And with that said, if you would like to read P.O.P constitution, go here:
http://petparliament.co.uk/
And if you would like to read my draft Dog Ownership Suitability Test (draft) proposal, go here:
http://dogownershiptest.co.uk/
Status: 
Anouncement: A Positive Voice for Pets and Their Owners
Well done to the K9 crew 
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