Dogs Trust > About Us > Past campaigns >
Historically, Dogs Trust's (formerly known as the NCDL) campaigns have covered a number of issues, but notable successes included:
Known as the Forfeit Bill, which was introduced by Dogs Trust in 1908. This was later incorporated into the Protection of Animals Act in 1911 - still very much part of current legislation - which gave magistrates the power to prevent anyone convicted of cruelty from keeping an animal in the future.
In particular, preventing experiments into the causes and effects of drowning and smallpox using live dogs in the early 1900's and presenting a petition with 9,000 signitures to Parliament in support of the Dogs (Protection) Bill.
Putting an end to the use of dog-lockers in luggage vans on trains in 1903, to be replaced by kennels. Railway companies also agreed to provide water for dogs if they had a label attached to them reading 'please give my dog water', which Dogs Trust had printed and distributed to Members.
Dogs Trust was responsible for the almost total abolition of performing dogs from the music hall stage by the 1920's. Dogs Trust guidelines also resulted in the Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act in 1937 preventing cruelty to dogs in the making of films.
This was introduced from 1919 to 1922, following a rabies scare and was ended largely due to the ceaseless campaigning of Dogs Trust, which supported anyone who was prosecuted under the new laws.
Dogs Trust campaigned to ensure dogs were no longer being confined for two days at the shows, even if they were only required for one day. Blackpool Dog Show in 1939 was the first to introduce a ban on dogs remaining on the grounds overnight and by the late 1940's the practice was universally accepted.
The emergence of the motor car in the 1920's led to a minority of motorists boasting of how many dogs they had run over. Dogs Trust responded by producing three million leaflets and posters and achieved widespread coverage. The charity also equipped all the new AA road scouts with humane pistols to enable them to put suffering dogs out of their misery.
In recent years Dogs Trust has spoken out against a number of issues. It represents the reasonable and well informed voice of dog lovers and always tries to find the most practical solution to any problems. We are currently working to ensure that all dogs have a happy life free from the threat of unecessary destruction.
