A leading qualification creator is joining the fight for regulation around dog ownership, after recent shocking incidents hit the headlines.

Following the tragic deaths of Milton Keynes four-year-old Alice Stones, and Caterham dog walker Natasha Johnston, iPET Network is highlighting their existing responsible dog ownership qualification course, and looking to join the campaign for more legislation around the issue.

Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph, lawyer Trevor Cooper, who specialises in laws surrounding dog ownership, suggested that dog keepers with aggressive pets should be forced to complete a course in responsible dog ownership.

And this week iPET Network co-founders Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty highlighted that such a course already exists, and is ready to go if such a law should come into force.

The pair, who are at the forefront of the drive to enhance skills in UK pet industries through a wide range of qualifications regulated by Ofqual, said: "These incidents are tragic, and while we would not want to comment on the specifics of each case, they have brought this debate into the public consciousness again.

"With more dogs than ever living in homes in the UK following the pandemic puppy boom, many in homes which have never owned a dog before, we believe that it is vital that owners are aware of the potential dangers that arise from not training a puppy properly or caring for them responsibly.

"Many of these so-called pandemic puppies were not able to socialise adequately because of lockdowns, so we have a ticking time bomb of issues if proper training and awareness is not raised as soon as possible.

"We already have a responsible dog ownership course in place, which anyone can sign up for, and we would love to work with the authorities if more wider reaching rules come into force."

In his Sunday Telegraph interview, Mr Cooper said that high-profile attacks should be a reminder to authorities that current legislation around dog ownership is not appropriate.

Sarah and Fern added: "This is not about punishing dogs or their owners, this is about making positive changes, and giving people the skills and knowledge to make the correct decisions about their beloved pets."

To find out more about the iPET Network go to www.ipetnetwork.co.uk