History

In December 1993 the late Lord Houghton of Sowerby promoted the idea of establishing a new advisory committee, financed from non-government sources, to be called the Dog Control and Welfare Council. Lord Houghton wished to model this Council on the lines of the Farm Animal Welfare Council in that it would be recognised as an independent advisory body with its membership being appointed by Her Majesty’s Government.

Following extensive discussions it was agreed to broaden the remit to include all companion animals, not just dogs. The committee would concentrate on the welfare of companion animals thereby addressing the welfare needs of some 13 million dogs and cats in the U.K. as well as several million other companion animal species, and horses where they were kept as companion animals. The importance of companion animals is exemplified by the fact that one in every two households in the U.K. owns a companion animal.

Subsequently representatives of a number of companion animals welfare organisations, members of both Houses of Parliament and other interested parties elected a Steering Committee under the Chairmanship of Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior. The Committee comprised the following members:

• Mrs. Clarissa Baldwin, National Canine Defence League
• Mr. Peter Davies, RSPCA
• Mr. Roger Gale, MP
• Dr. Andrew Higgins, Animal Health Trust
• Mr. Lou Leather, Pet Advisory Committee
• Dr. Alastair Porter, Blue Cross
• Sir Colin Spedding, Farm Animal Welfare Council
• Dr. Elisabeth Svendsen, MBE, The Donkey Sanctuary
• Mr. Paul de Vile, British Veterinary Association
• The Baroness Wharton