{"id":618,"date":"2026-02-24T08:41:10","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T08:41:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/?page_id=618"},"modified":"2026-02-24T08:53:45","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T08:53:45","slug":"use-your-voice-the-dogs-cant-speak","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/use-your-voice-the-dogs-cant-speak\/","title":{"rendered":"Use your voice, the dogs can&#8217;t speak"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" data-src=\"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Dogwoof-1024x681.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-619 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Dogwoof-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-619\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Dogwoof-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Dogwoof-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Dogwoof-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Dogwoof-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Dogwoof-2048x1363.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Dogwoof-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Write to Your MP (And Actually Be Heard)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to make the dog world a better place, here is a clear, practical guide to contacting your MP effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd35 \u201cFind Your MP Now\u201d<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.writetothem.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.writetothem.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Writing Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>One letter = correspondence<\/strong><br><strong>Fifty letters = concern<\/strong><br><strong>Two hundred letters = a political issue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Calm, reasoned letters carry weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step-by-Step Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Give Ethical Breeders a Fair Voice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A briefing for supporters of the Union of Good Dog People<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As many of you know, the Union of Good Dog People (UGDP) has grown at extraordinary speed since launching on Boxing Day. In just a few short weeks, more than&nbsp;<strong>4,000 members<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 breeders, owners and welfare-minded supporters \u2014 have come together because they share a common concern:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udc49&nbsp;<strong>Good, small-scale breeders are increasingly being treated as part of the problem rather than recognised as part of the solution.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are now asking supporters to write to their MPs. This article explains&nbsp;<strong>why your voice matters<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>what to say<\/strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>how to say it effectively<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why MPs Need to Hear From You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before Christmas, the Government\u2019s announcement of plans to clamp down on puppy farming was warmly welcomed across the dog world. Ethical breeders have long called for stronger action against large-scale, low-welfare commercial breeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, there is growing concern that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Huge, low-welfare breeders remain\u00a0<strong>licensed and legally operating<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meanwhile,\u00a0<strong>small, welfare-led home breeders<\/strong>\u00a0face increasing regulatory pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enforcement by local authorities has become a\u00a0<strong>postcode lottery<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Infrequent breeders \u2014 often the very people doing things best \u2014 are being\u00a0<strong>hit hardest by costly and ilogical requirements<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many UGDP members report inconsistent interpretation of the same regulations between councils. What is considered reasonable and proportionate in one area can trigger enforcement action in another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>This cannot be good policy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Reality of Ethical Small-Scale Breeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is vital that MPs understand what responsible breeders actually do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gold-standard, small-scale breeders typically:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Carry out extensive\u00a0<strong>health testing<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carefully plan matings to improve health and temperament often sourcing genetic diversity from other countries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide rich\u00a0<strong>early socialisation and learning<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Raise puppies in the home, not in volume systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offer\u00a0<strong>lifetime support and take-back responsibility<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Breed infrequently and with deep personal investment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are not high-volume profit-driven enterprises. They are\u00a0<strong>custodians of breeds and producers of well-adjusted family companions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In fact, dogs from such environments have the&nbsp;<strong>strongest chance of becoming lifelong, much-loved pets that never enter the rescue system<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 at a time when rescues are already overflowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why the Union Needs a Seat at the Table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite this, many ethical breeders feel policy is being developed&nbsp;<strong>without meaningful input from those on the ground<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A key example is the&nbsp;<strong>Innate Health Assessment (IHA)<\/strong>&nbsp;developed through APGAW. While clearly well-intentioned and aimed at reducing extreme conformation, the Union is concerned that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The tool was developed over three years\u00a0<strong>without proper engagement with ethical small breeders<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Its criteria are\u00a0<strong>very broad and highly visual<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If embedded into licensing or enforcement, it could create\u00a0<strong>large numbers of false fails<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More than\u00a0<strong>60 breeds<\/strong>\u00a0could be significantly affected despite many dogs being healthy and functional<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fear is not the intention \u2014 which many support \u2014 but the&nbsp;<strong>unintended consequences of a tool that may be too blunt for regulatory use<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good legislation must be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Evidence-based<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proportionate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practically workable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Informed by real-world experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is precisely why UGDP is asking for&nbsp;<strong>a constructive seat at the table<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Postcode Lottery Problem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supporters are increasingly reporting that enforcement varies widely between local authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common concerns include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Different interpretations of \u201cin business\u201d breeding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disproportionate licensing expectations for very small breeders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High compliance costs designed for commercial operations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Planning and licensing pressures that make responsible home breeding difficult<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This inconsistency risks&nbsp;<strong>driving out the very breeders the public most needs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What We Are Asking MPs To Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you write to your MP, the tone should be&nbsp;<strong>calm, constructive and evidence-focused<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are not asking for weaker welfare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are asking for&nbsp;<strong>smarter, fairer, proportionate regulation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key points to include<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Please ask your MP to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recognise the vital role of\u00a0<strong>small, ethical breeders<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acknowledge the\u00a0<strong>postcode lottery<\/strong>\u00a0in enforcement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure any future reforms\u00a0<strong>do not unintentionally penalise high-welfare home breeders<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confirm that the\u00a0<strong>IHA will not be rushed into legislation without full consultation<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support giving the\u00a0<strong>Union of Good Dog People a seat at the policy table<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Suggested Letter Framework<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supporters may wish to adapt the following structure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Brief personal introduction<\/strong><br>Explain who you are (dog lover, breeder, dog expert, rescuer, supporter).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Welcome the puppy farm crackdown<\/strong><br>Make clear you support high welfare and action against poor breeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Raise the concern<\/strong><br>Explain the risk that small ethical breeders are being unfairly impacted and that enforcement is inconsistent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Mention the IHA concern<\/strong><br>Politely ask for reassurance it will not be embedded in legislation without proper scrutiny, noting concerns that over 60 breeds could be affected by overly broad criteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Call for inclusion<\/strong><br>Ask that the Union of Good Dog People \u2014 now over 4,000 members strong \u2014 is included in discussions to provide practical, real-world insight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Close constructively<\/strong><br>Emphasise shared goals: healthier dogs, better welfare, fewer dogs in rescue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone in this debate wants healthier, happier dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But good intentions alone are not enough. Without careful, proportionate policy \u2014 and without listening to experienced ethical breeders \u2014 there is a real risk of&nbsp;<strong>unintended damage to the very part of the dog world that is already doing things right<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Union of Good Dog People stands ready to contribute practical, common-sense solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>All we are asking for is a fair hearing and a seat at the table.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Write to Your MP (And Actually Be Heard) If you want to make the dog world a better place, here is a clear, practical guide to contacting your MP effectively. \ud83d\udd35 \u201cFind Your MP Now\u201dhttps:\/\/www.writetothem.com Why Writing Works One letter = correspondenceFifty letters = concernTwo hundred letters = a political issue Calm, reasoned [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"content-type":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-618","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/618","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=618"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/618\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":620,"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/618\/revisions\/620"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=618"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}