The Green Party has unveiled plans to reintroduce dog licences and phase out zoos, sparking criticism from political opponents who label the proposals 'killjoy' and 'barking mad'. The policy documents, published on the party's website, outline a two-tier licensing system for dog owners, differentiating between breeders and non-breeders. Dog licences were abolished in the UK in 1987, though microchipping has been mandatory since 2016. In Ireland, where licensing remains, owners pay either a £120 lifetime fee or £17 annually.
Under the Green proposals, zoos would be required to prioritise preparing animals for release into the wild, effectively abolishing traditional zoos. Licences would only be granted to facilities that focus on conservation and rehabilitation of injured wildlife. Party leader Zack Polanski also supports banning horse and greyhound racing.
Shadow Environment Secretary Victoria Atkins criticised the plans, stating: 'The Greens are barking mad for wanting to put dog owners on a very expensive lead and shut the UK's highly respected zoos. Zoos inspire millions of children about wildlife and do vital conservation work for endangered species.'
The Green Party, currently polling at 21 per cent and second only to Reform UK, also advocates legalising drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine, reversing Brexit, and offering housing and NHS access to illegal migrants. On transport, the party would spend £2.5 billion annually on cycleways and footpaths made from sustainable materials, rather than repairing pothole-ravaged roads.
A Green Party spokesman defended the policies, saying: 'We are a nation of animal lovers. Our policies on the cost of living, NHS, public services and the environment are proving increasingly popular with voters. Our policies on improving animal welfare we're sure will prove just as popular.'
