dangerous dogs

There has been a huge public response in the 24 hours since Battersea Dogs & Cats Home launched its damning report on the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. A quarter of a century since the law was passed, Battersea is calling for a repeal of Section One of the Act which outlawed four breeds of dogs from the UK: the Pit Bull Terrier, the Dogo Argentino, the Japanese Tosa and the Fila Braziliero.

Leading animal charity Battersea Dogs & Cats Home cautiously welcomes today's new Government proposals to increase the maximum penalties for dangerous dog offences.

Under the new proposals dog owners could face a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment if a person dies as a result of their dog attacking and five years’ imprisonment if a person is injured by their dog attacking. However Battersea is disappointed that the Government is not going far enough to prevent such offences at an earlier stage.

Scope for improvement

As the changes to the sentencing guidelines have come into effect Dogs Trust commends the tougher revisions, but would welcome radical changes to existing legislation that better protect the public and welfare of dogs. Whilst the new guidelines will encourage courts to focus on the key factors of culpability, the charity hopes they will act as a salient reminder to dog owners of their responsibility. 

Says Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust Chief Executive:

Defra recently revealed Government plans to tackle irresponsible dog ownership - you can read Defra's statement and how to respond in this previous blogpost. There has been disappointment within the dog world that the proposals didn't really tackle the issue of how to deal with dangerous dogs. The RSPCA is currently running a campaign called 42 Teeth - "All dogs have 42 teeth, but only some have irresponsible owners."

Defra has today revealed plans to enforce every dog in the UK to have a microchip. Here is Dogs Trust's response:

Dogs Trust response to Defra’s announcement on Dangerous Dogs and Microchipping

23rd April 2012