Since ARDO was formed in 2018, we have represented the views and defended the rights of responsible dog owners in multiple countries and various jurisdictions throughout the world. Where these rights have been threatened, and specifically where governments have proposed legislative changes, which we considered to be ideologically or financially motivated and a threat to animal welfare, we have submitted comprehensive, heavily evidenced responses, detailing our position.
Areas where we have represented our supporters include: England, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Singapore, various American states, numerous Australian states, The Isle of Man, The Netherlands, The EU and New Zealand.
We have represented responsible dog ownership on behalf of our supporters in multiple meetings with key, influential and political groups, senior politicians and government departments both in the UK and beyond.
Nowhere was our effort more powerfully demonstrated, than in England, where in 2023, alongside other industry stakeholders, we co-ordinated and managed several campaigns, lobbying MP’s and government regarding the tabling of a Statuary Instrument. If passed, this legislation would have seen the use of electronic collars banned in England resulting in thousands of dogs and countless protected farm and wildlife animals put at significant and unnecessary risk of harm. This legislation did not pass through all of necessary stages and therefore did not become law, safeguarding the welfare of our dogs- for now.
We have coordinated multiple political campaigns in different countries, resulting in thousands of letters, landing on the desks of politicians and decision-makers. We have also provided guidance and advice to our supporters when contacting or meeting with their MP’s.- frequently our support has been in person
Working alongside industry and political expertise, ARDO has learned what works, and what does not. What hits the point, and what hits the waste paper bin.
Over the years, we have tirelessly strived to forge alliances with other key stakeholders in the domestic, farm and wildlife animal sectors, resulting in some important, co-operative, mutually beneficial positions. We have also attended meetings with some of the the UK’s major national animal charities and welfare organisations.
Over 5 years, we conducted the largest experienced dog owners survey in relation to the use of electronic training collars for dogs. This provided unprecedented, invaluable data and insight into the real world use of this training equipment. Where the UK government was taken to the High Court and the Court of Appeal by the ECMA (Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association) ARDO submitted key evidence and attended court on behalf of our supporters.
But the association is not one confined to pen pushing!
We have organised crowds of dedicated people to represent what we stand for, both on the London streets outside Westminster and at a major national political party conference.
Since being formed, ARDO has appeared and been represented on major, mainstream, national television news and magazine programs, including This Morning, Good Morning Britain, The Wright Stuff and Sky News. We have also appeared in numerous national press including The Times, the Telegraph and The Guardian and on national radio, together with local and regional news, print and digital media.
But we have absolutely no intention of stopping here!
The Association of Responsible Dog Owners®️ continues to seek YOUR support to help us keep up the pressure where dogs and dog related issues arise!
