ENCOURAGING responsible dog ownership proved a popular theme at a seminar held in Yelverton.

Trevor Cooper, a solicitor from Kent and a leading expert in canine law in England and Wales. presented a lively and interactive seminar entitled 'Doglaw. What every responsible dog owner needs to know'.

Hosted by Lelly Bond, the author of 'Paws to Learn . . . Dog Training and Behaviour', and assistant Jo Albon, the afternoon was well attended with people coming from as far away as Gloucester and Dorset.

The audience came from a wide background of interests, including pet owners, breeders, representatives from vets, canine clubs, breed rescue and local authorities as well as the National Trust and those who work with dogs.

Lelly, from Yelverton, said: 'Trevor presented the law in a clear but highly entertaining manner proving that it doesn't have to be "dry and dusty". The serious topic of dog aggression to both people and other animals was covered in some depth highlighting important differences between the Dogs Act (1871) and the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991).

'On what initially seemed a lighter note he spoke about carefully choosing a name for your dog. His reasoning became clear when he explained that a gentleman being prosecuted under the DDA had not helped the case for the defence by having called his dog "Venom"!

More details of the seminar can be found on the 'Paws to Learn'website http://www.pawstolearn.co.uk">www.pawstolearn.co.uk