The Blue Cross voices concerns over ‘dog amnesties’

Since the tragic death of five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson in Merseyside earlier this month, there has been widespread public debate on the subject of so-called ‘dangerous dogs’.  This has led to calls from some police forces and public figures for a nationwide ‘dog amnesty’, where dog owners can surrender any ‘dangerous dogs’ to authorities without fear of prosecution.

While public safety is of paramount concern, The Blue Cross is concerned about the nature and administration of any such amnesties, which could result in hundreds of innocent family pets being needlessly destroyed.

The Blue Cross has more than 100 years’ experience in caring for abandoned and problem pets, which has taught us that no animal becomes dangerous as a result of breeding alone.  Animal behaviour research supports this view that a dog’s behaviour is affected more by its upbringing, training and the behaviour of its owner than genetics alone.

We believe that a dog whose breed is termed as ‘dangerous’ under the law has every chance of fulfilling a loving family life if treated in an appropriate and responsible way.  Equally, any dog has the potential to act in an aggressive or threatening manner as a result of bad experiences or in the hands of an irresponsible owner. 

Focusing attention on particular breeds rather than the responsibilities of owners to train dogs correctly fails to reduce risk to the public whilst condemning well-trained family pets to death.       

The law allows for dogs of a ‘dangerous’ breed that do not exhibit ‘dangerous’ characteristics to be entered onto the Index of Exempted Dogs, allowing them to remain with their owners under strict guidelines.  However, this Index has been closed, sealing the fate of any dogs of ‘dangerous’ breeds by requiring their automatic destruction.

In the event of a dog amnesty on any scale, The Blue Cross would urge the authorities to reopen the Index of Exempted Dogs for an extended period to give all dogs the chance to prove that they can be safe and loving pets with the right ownership.

ENDS.

Reproduced with permission.

http://www.bluecross.org.uk/web/site/News/2007/Concerns_over_dog_amnesties.asp

Please Visit Our Dangerous Dogs Act Section Here