Information, Education & Advice - Helping Dogs In Need
Information, Education & Advice - Helping Dogs In Need
I DDA - A Dog Owners Guide to the law I Information & Advice
Registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs I Seized & Released Dogs I
Section One of the Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA) 1991, as amended in June 1997, is known as breed specific legislation as it relates to specific breeds or 'types' of dog.
Our dog owners guide below introduces you to the legislation (England, Scotland & Wales) and explains its main provisions. We will endeavor to keep this section updated with any new developments and news. The Position Statements & opinions reinforce just how badly drafted the law is.
Other areas of the legislation relate to all dogs - those sections are covered in our dog law section. Northern Ireland has separate legislation.
Breed Specific Law - News and related articles:
I Press Releases & News I Position Statements I Views & Opinions I
Case Law & Legal Judgments I In Memory & Poems
A Dog Owner's Guide to the law:
Prohibited Dogs / Banned Breeds / Pit Bull Terrier Types
Identification & Burden of Proof
Dangerous Dogs Amendment Act 1997
Northern Ireland Dangerous Dog Act News - Important Information
Seized & Released Dogs - this help sheet is for pet dogs which have been returned home having been held by the authorities whilst pending further investigation, breed identification and/or legal proceedings under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Updated 2009
Registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs - EDDR guide for pet dogs registered under the law, also available to download and print. Updated 2009
DDA Prohibited Dogs - EDDR Information Guide Booklet on PDF 
Prohibited Dogs - EDDR advice sheet for pet owners
Notting Hill Carnival - August Bank Holiday, advice for dog owners. Do not take your pet to the Carnival.
Please write to your MP - see our template letters. Everyone will have their own representative in the House of Commons -your MP, please write to you MP and send us a copy of the reply you receive.
Proposed Dog Amnesties - what is proposed, why it's not supported, what will it achieve, what you can do. EDDR Advice.
Bateson Inquiry Report and Dangerous Dogs - Calls for Changes to breed ban law and responses to it. Feb. '10
Fatal Dog Attack Incident - News and information for parents and dog owners following the tragic dog attack in Merseyside. Dec. '09
Vet President Speaks Out Against Law in Northern Ireland - The BVA President urges NI Minister to rethink position on BSL. Nov '09
Lest We Forget: This time of year eighteen years ago, there was just four weeks left to comply and mass confusion over the wording and application of a law ordinary pet owners mainly did not understand and still don't today. This time of year eighteen years ago, the lights went out; BSL had arrived and a tragic suicide followed shortly afterwards. 30th Oct. '09
Pet Dog Destroyed In Error - London family left inconsolable and are demanding answers following tragic news. Oct. '09
Happy 18th Birthday - to the DDA this month. We've had eighteen years of 
slaughtering innocent dogs, their injustice cries out from their unmarked graves, 18 years of killing puppies, oldies, rescue dogs, pet dogs who all measured up and were held down whilst their lives were drained away or died in a kennels from illness or injury on death row, today marks the day when the canine genocide, still with us and in full force, began.12th August '09
Candle-Lit Vigils Held Across the Globe Send Clear Message -Thursday, July 23rd will remain a day to remember as thousands of people came together to participate in a unique worldwide vigil. July '09
London Takes Part in Worldwide Candle Lit Vigil - Dog lovers are traveling from across the UK to gather outside the Northern Ireland Office, Millbank, in central London to show unified global support for a pet dog condemned to death by a Magistrates Court in Northern Ireland. July '09
Northern Ireland Dog Law News - Important Information - July 2009
A world-wide candle lit vigil is being held for Bruce. 
Everyone can take part-in your home, your town showing your support, standing united for BSL victim Bruce. July '09
Registered & Exempted Dogs - Sixty six dogs exempted under the Dangerous Dogs Act in last 3 years are no longer on the register according to figures released in reply to FOI requests. Advice and help for pet owners available. May '09
Italy to REPEAL BSL - Italy moves to scrap dangerous dogs list and introduce new dog law placing responsibility with the owner, not the breed of dog. April 2009
'Kodee' Update - seized under the Dangerous Dogs Act and returned cut, bleeding and branded with an enormous tattoo-which had cut into his skin, RSPCA to take no action. February 2009
Repeal the Dangerous Dogs Act - Breaking news-the RSPCA support calls for an immediate end to Section One of the Dangerous Dogs Act: BSL. January 2009
Canine Welfare Scandal - Freedom of Information request reveals death toll has risen. Another Dangerous Dogs Act Canine Welfare Scandal: Dec. 2008
Defra Response - to our letter regarding the welfare of dogs seized and held under the DDA. November 2008
Deadly virus hits seized dogs - Parvo virus in holding kennels confirmed as court sends out destruction orders for seized pet dogs due to clerical error. News October
First Notting Hill Dogs to go home - multi dog hearings before west London magistrates court brings some relief, but three dogs have died. News Sept.
Birmingham dog to come home - Tupac is to be registered and returned home, court orders different owner to keeper. EDDR News 5 Sept.
Hero Bishop to come home - bittersweet tears as London Court orders pet dog known as the life-saving dog to come home after over eight months. EDDR News August
Saving Bob - Court spares the life of grandma's dog, ending an agonising eighty one days of anxiety for his family. EDDR News 5 August
DDA Shocker - newly obtained figures have revealed that a total of sixty DDA dogs have died while under the care of the Metropolitan police force in little over a year. 1st July 2008
Commons Debate - the issue of 'Dangerous Dogs' was last week's Topical Debate at Westminster and makes for an interesting read! Parliamentary questions and answers given, inc. opening the Index. 17 June 2008
Netherlands to REPEAL BSL - Major break through as common sense prevails and Holland lifts its ‘pit bull’ ban after fifteen years! June 2008
Owners Relieved as more London DDA pet dogs return home, seventy London dogs added to exemption register in 2007 Government reveals. EDDR News Update April 2008
Welfare Issues - for dogs held under the DDA legislation. RSPCA Chief Executive responds to questions raised and kennel owner in court. EDDR News April 2008
Four Rescue Dogs Die - four more dogs die under the Dangerous Dogs Act, the sanctuary saved them but couldn't prevent their deaths. EDDR News March 2008
DDA Dog Returned - London dog owner celebrating following the return of pet dog Gem ordered registered by the Court. EDDR News. February 2008.
Merseyside Police Kill Pet In Error - A family in Merseyside have been left heartbroken after Merseyside Police informed them they had mistakenly destroyed their family pet dog, Oscar. January 2008
DDA Dog Returned - smelling and sore, home in time for Christmas - but what happened to Kodee? Were his needs, according to the Animal Welfare Act, met? Owner seeks answers and a police enquiry. Photos may upset. EDDR Press Release 17 December.07
Pet dog Macey dies - in kennels awaiting a court hearing, leaving her family devastated and looking for answers, Press Release 23 Nov.07
Further calls to re-open the Index - Merseyside dog owner was left upset and shocked when her pet dog, Lenny, was returned cut and bleeding following detention in kennels under the Dangerous Dogs Act legislation. Press Release 22 Nov.
More pet dogs spared by Judge - nine family pets have been spared the death sentence and ordered by Liverpool Magistrates Court to be returned to their worried owners. EDDR News Update May 2007
Lucky thirteen to return to overjoyed families - Magistrate’s Court rules that thirteen dogs held are to be returned to their owners. April 2007
Special Appeal - Help Bring Them Home The Merseyside Police have confirmed that approx. 100 dogs are held under the DDA. Many dogs need help with legal representation to try and get them registered, if certain criteria can be met, as opposed to destroyed, with Court hearings looming-your help is needed. April 2007
Four dogs die in police custody leaving owners distraught Four dogs held by the Merseyside Police have contracted the deadly and highly infectious disease parvo-virus and died.
Tears all round as Court Judge lets sixteen death row dogs live a two day hearing before Liverpool Magistrates court has ended in joy and relief for the families of sixteen pet dogs condemned under the draconian Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA) legislation. February 2007
Kennel Club responds To Disgraceful Merseyside 'Dangerous Dog Amnesty' The Kennel Club has learnt of Merseyside Constabulary’s intention to invoke its threatened seven-day dangerous dogs ‘amnesty’ – or in reality a seven-day dog cull. 6th February 2007
The Kennel Club Calls For An Alternative To Easington Council’s Dog Amnesty Jan 07
Northern Ireland - first 'pit bull' amnesty scheduled for January 2007.
In Cassie's Name - Family pet dog Cassie lost her life on 9th of February 2007 due to the Merseyside 'amnesty'. She had committed no crime and was much loved by her family, yet she was condemned due to her 'looks' alone. Here is her tragic story told by her owners.
Merseyside Dog Attack Tragedy - EDDR Information. January 2007
See also our News Archives & Newsletters
Blue Cross Statement - Urgent need for the Dangerous Dogs Act to be repealed. Jan. 2010
EDDR Position on BSL-Time To Repeal The DDA - we take a detailed look at the present situation with the legislation, why changes are needed, how to better protect the public and dogs plus much more. 2009
What do kennel clubs and canine organisations
around the world think about BSL? - EDDR is writing to ask for opinions. If your organisation would like to add a policy statement on BSL -we would welcome your views - please contact us.
Dangerous Dogs Act Statement - following on from the breaking news (see news section) that the RSPCA have supported calls to end BSL, is it time to Amend, Tinker or Repeal the law. EDDR Statement January 2009
British Veterinary Association - we wrote to ask them for their views, here is the Policy Statement on the Dangerous Dogs Act, received from the BVA Policy & Committee Manager, posted with kind permission from the BVA. July 2007
APDT Speak out - the Association of Pet Dog Trainers has issued us with a statement concerning breed specific legislation and dog 'amnesties'. 2007
Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors - 'Dogs Needn't Be Dangerous' statement.
Blue Cross Statement Jan.2007 - The Blue Cross voices concerns over ‘dog amnesties’
British Veterinary Association - the BVA issue a short holding statement, January 2007.
Kennel Club Statement Jan. 2007 - The Kennel Club does not welcome any pit bull amnesty, or any other breed specific knee-jerk response reminiscent of the rushed and ineffective Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Dogs Trust position - a statement issued by the Dogs Trust on 8th January 2007
Dangerous Dogs Act Statement EDDR 2006 - we should move on to make a difference.
Pet Advisory Committee - Statement concerning the issue of dangerous dogs and DDA legislation.
Liberal Democrats Statement - letter received by EDDR regarding breed bans.
Happy 18th Birthday - to the DDA this month. We've had eighteen years of slaughtering innocent dogs, their injustice cries out from their unmarked graves, 18 years of killing puppies, oldies, rescue dogs, pet dogs who all measured up and were held down whilst their lives were drained away or died in a kennels from illness or injury on death row, today marks the day when the canine genocide, still with us and in full force, began.12th August '09
Dangerous legislation for family dogs - a look at the Dangerous Dogs Act by Peter Wedderburn in the Telegraph Blogs. March 2009
The Tenth Anniversary of the Dangerous Dogs Act Amendment -
Ten years ago this month marks the introduction of the Dangerous Dogs Act (Amendment) which became law on the 8th June 1997. Ten years on and EDDR take a look at where we are now with the breed specific component of the law. June 2007
Lifting The Curtain - takes a look at UK breed specific legislation, EDDR go behind the scenes to see how it is working out for ordinary pet owners. March 2007
Valentines Day - A Day To Remember as Merseyside's 'amnesty' period closes, leaving many families without their trusted friends. February 2007
Strengthen the DDA? - this informative article takes a look at the Dangerous Dogs Act situation, written by Nick Mays.
The Times Newspaper - ”Innocent old pit bull must be put down, Court orders:” Article by Roy Hattersley.
The Lords give their opinions on the DDA - what did they have to say when debated in the House of Lords?
DDA Parliamentary Debate - Discussion and questions from Andrew Rosindell MP in the
House of Commons. January 2003
Amendment
to adjust the DDA - Thoughts from 1997 (written following the introduction
of the DDA Amendment 1997) but still relevant today!
Dangerous Dogs Act Remembered - Medals Returned in support of death row dogs - A view shared by many prior to Amendment 1997.
The
Inside Story From A Kennel Maid - The following account is from a kennel
maid who eventually left her job when she could not bear the experience any
longer.
DDA Case Histories and Case Law :
Pet dog Otis was seized under DDA - read the full
story
Otis - European Judgment - the case
outcome
DDA Case of Brutus - Seized and held facing the death penalty under the DDA, Brutus was released in 1997 following an exhaustive legal argument.
Tyler's Story - A case example of how breed specific legislation has targeted innocent pet dogs, following the introduction of the DDA. Will we ever learn from the mistakes made?
Knightsbridge Crown Court v. Commissioner of Police for Metropolitan Police v. Wells Street Magistrates' Court Ex Parte Leslie V Crabbe, R v. - England and Wales High Court (Administrative Court) Decisions December 1996
Queen v. Haringey Magistrates Ex Parte Jeanette Cragg - England & Wales High Court (Administrative Court) Decisions 1996
Liverpool Magistrates' Court ex parte Noel Slade, R v. - England and Wales High Court (Administrative Court) Decisions. June 1997
In Memory - Not Forgotten and Poems:
Too young to die - In loving memory
of ‘Stella’ a
healthy young rescue dog who sadly lost her life due to cruel DDA. .
'Cracker' - Check out the scary Pit Bull - Registered and Exempted under the UK DDA, under the care of EDDR - photos not for the faint hearted !!
Sophie's Story - A moving account of how breed bans target responsible dog owners
'Spikey' - Rest In Peace - Memories of the Dangerous Dogs Act
In Loving Memory - Memories of 'Tara' a dog registered under the DDA.
When dog hysteria is in full swing - The story of a little dog who no one would help following all the bad press circulated, even though she had committed no crime, there was to be no sympathy for her on account of her breed.
'Banned' - A moving poem by Sue Goff.
Salty Tears - In memory of Otis a special
poem by Peter Walker.
What's
In A Name - Poem about the 'Pit Bull' by EDDR.
Tragic Suicide After Pet Dog Is Destroyed: Mark Amston, aged 20 years, committed suicide in 1991 the day after he had his own dog, a pit bull terrier, destroyed.
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