The Green Party has unveiled a series of controversial animal welfare proposals, including the reintroduction of dog licensing and the abolition of most zoos, which opponents have labelled a 'killjoy' move that could burden pet owners and undermine conservation.
Dog Licensing System Revival
According to policy documents on the party's website, the Greens aim to implement a 'two-tiered' licensing system for Britain's 13.5 million dogs. This would distinguish between breeders and non-breeders, reintroducing regulations that were abandoned in 1987. Since 2016, all dogs in the UK have been required to be microchipped, but the Greens seek to add further red tape.
The policy cites Ireland's existing model, where owners either pay a £120 lifelong fee or an annual £17 charge. The documents state: 'The Green Party is opposed to the wholesale breeding, manipulation and destruction of those animals who are chosen as companions to the human race. We will introduce measures to regulate the care and conditions for such animals including a two-tier system of dog-licensing [breeding and non-breeding], licensing of all animal breeders and dog owners.'
Zoo Abolition Plans
In addition to dog licensing, party leader Zack Polanski advocates for the abolition of zoos unless they prioritise preparing animals for release into the wild. Zoos that rescue injured wildlife would be granted licences as exceptions. The Greens argue that this move aligns with their stance against animal exploitation, despite zoos being popular attractions for children and involved in conservation work.
Shadow Environment Secretary Victoria Atkins criticised the plans, telling The Sun on Sunday: '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 killjoys want to throw this all away, while making dog ownership unaffordable. It's a dog's dinner of a policy.'
Broker Policy Agenda
The Green Party, currently backed by 21 per cent of voters and trailing only Reform in recent polling, has other contentious policies. These include outlawing horse and greyhound racing, legalising possession of drugs like heroin and crack cocaine, reversing Brexit, and offering illegal migrants homes and NHS access.
Furthermore, rather than addressing pothole-ravaged roads, the party proposes spending £2.5 billion annually on new cycleways and footpaths constructed with 'sustainable materials'.
Party Defence
A Green Party spokesman responded: '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.'
The proposals have ignited debate, with supporters praising the focus on animal rights and critics warning of impractical costs and negative impacts on pet ownership and wildlife education.
