Association of Pet Dog Trainers

Statement:

Association of Pet Dog Trainers’ position on Breed Specific Legislation and the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991:

 

The APDT (The Association of Pet Dog Trainers) upholds the view that legislation written to prevent dog attacks on people should target those that in most cases are the cause of dog behaviour problems, irresponsible owners.

It is unfair and misguided to legislate on the basis of breed when established scientific research proves that environmental factors are as influential to behaviour as is genetic inheritance.

The APDT believes that an amnesty, giving owners the opportunity to surrender their dogs to be euthanised, is likely to result in the needless execution of many well adjusted pet dogs rather than achieve its aim of preventing further dog attacks or eliminating dangerous dogs.

Educating the public in the responsibilities of dog ownership is vital to prevent dog related incidents from happening and we believe that legislation which targets those who do not take their responsibility seriously would be the course of action necessary to reduce the number of dog attacks in the future.

February 2007