‘To
protect both the safety of the public and the welfare of dogs’
On the 22nd
May 2007 a ‘Dangerous Dog’ seminar and reception took
place at the House of Commons, sponsored by Marsha Singh MP and
arranged by the Kennel Club. The issue of dangerous dogs and protecting
the public has been one that has posed a problem for legislators
for many years and the event was well attended by politicians from
all political persuasions and Defra civil servants, proving what
an important initiative all consider the matter to be.
The primary
purpose of the seminar was to persuade politicians – and Government
- that it is high time to ensure better protection for the public
without compromising dogs’ welfare. The Dangerous Dogs Act
Study Group (DDASG), a wide-ranging group representing animal welfare,
local authorities, police and veterinary professional organisations,
have been considering the issue in depth for a while and believe
that the introduction of their proposed ‘Control of Dogs Act’,
which incorporates the better aspects of the Dogs Act 1871 and the
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 as amended but ultimately repeals them –
will do much to redress the balance.
Key speakers
on the day were the Metropolitan Police Service, Kennel Club, Dogs
Trust, Wandsworth Borough Council and an Association of Pet Dog
Trainers behaviourist. The speakers’ primary focus was of
course to discuss and explore how to prevent dog biting incidents
and, also to lay to rest the many myths surrounding dogs and why
they bite.
More
Said Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, “The Dangerous
Dogs Act Study Group, with backup from the Kennel Club, has been
involved with this matter for a considerable number of years. We
would like the current draconian, flawed, ‘dangerous dog’
legislation scrapped and replaced by the Group’s drafted ‘Control
of Dogs Act’, which will do far more to protect the public,
responsible owners and their dogs.”
Said Superintendent
Simon Ovens, of the Metropolitan Police Service, “The Dangerous
Dogs Act 1991 as amended has been widely criticised as it has had
a significant effect on the welfare of some dogs, which have either
been kept in kennels for many years or euthanased simply because
of their breed or type. Additionally, it has not prevented dog attacks
in the UK and we are still dealing with cases of Pit Bull ‘type’
dogs. Statistics on dog attacks have not reduced since the Act was
introduced and in fact, the number of hospitalisations is reported
as having doubled. I would therefore welcome the suggested strengthening
of Section Three of the current legislation, which would help target
irresponsible owners.”
The Group considers
its proposals to be balanced, and (if implemented as intended) believes
they will help to prevent future attacks on people and animals –
thereby ensuring both the safety of the public and the welfare of
dogs.
The next stage
of the process will be for the Group to lobby Defra to ensure that
necessary changes are made to existing legislation, in conjunction
with the politicians, civil servants and organisations present at
the meeting. If you require further information please do not hesitate
to contact Kennel Club External Affairs on 020 7518 1020, email:
phil.buckley@thekennelclub.org.uk.
The Dangerous
Dogs Act Study Group includes representation from: the Kennel Club,
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association,
Dogs Trust, the Metropolitan Police, Royal College of Veterinary
Surgeons, RSPCA, Wandsworth Borough Council and Wood Green Animal
Shelter.
24th May 2007
ENDS [145.07]
For further
information please contact
Press Office
020 7518 1008
press.office@thekennelclub.org.uk
www.thekennelclub.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
Objective paper
for Future ‘Dangerous Dogs’ Legislation By the Dangerous
Dogs Act Study Group attached.
MP Attendees
of the Parliamentary meeting included: Bill Wiggin, Tony Baldry,
Adrian Bailey, Roger Gale, Martin Horwood and Lord Soulsby
