If you’re a dog owner living in the UK the Dangerous Dogs Act applies to you in some way or another.
In 1991 the act was brought into force by the then home secretary Kenneth Baker. He wanted to protect the public from dangerous dogs and so added a piece of legislation which outlawed certain types of dogs.
This law has failed.
It has failed miserably. Dog attacks are stated as having risen, deaths of people and young children have not been avoided or reduced.
The public have not been protected and many dogs have died as a result of this slipshod law. Many dogs who were not, ever, dangerous. Dogs who simply happened to look a certain way.
This has happened under section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act, the section which legislates against breed types. It has a name of its own, it is called breed specific legislation or BSL.
The Pet Owners Parliament supports its members in writing to their local MP in order to seek their views and opinion on why section 1 of the DDA is still in force and showing no signs of being repealed or revised.
As a result of section 1, many, many innocent dogs can and will lose their lives for no other reason that what they happen to physically look like.
Please download our letter template, fill in the name and address of your local MP and send the letter to them direct.
It may also be possible to email your MP and save money on the postage, in which case please edit the letter appropriately and paste its content into an email.
http://www.petparliament.com/viewarticle.php?sid=116&aid;=29&vid;=0&npage;=
From: Allie Green, Sussex
Monday 19th May 2008
Thank you for all your advice and help with our Spaniel Maisey, who was wrongly accused of barking at someone through our garden fence, the matter has now been resolved but it was all very stressful at the time. The dog warden was also very helpful to us.
From: Mrs Elsden, Manchester
Thursday 1st May 2008
Thanks for still keeping in touch regarding our American Bulldog. We've managed to keep him with the family now, once again I thank you for your e-mail and your help given to me.
From: David & family, Merseyside.
Tuesday 8th April 2008
We're holding a stall at the local dog show (Essex) this summer and plan to take along your American Bulldog posters, my husband can print them out for free and we're make sure there's plenty to go round, so many people breeding bulldogs and crosses of. It's a good poster, all helps get the message across and might just make one person stop and think.
From: Jenny Matthews, Basildon
Saturday 22nd March 2008
I've printed out the DDA advice/ information booklet and the neutering sheet, shall take them to our training club this weekend. Keep up the good work!
From: Sheila Davies, Romford
Monday 3rd March 2008
I can't thank you enough for all your help when our pet dog Tye was taken from our home early one morning under the dangerous dogs law. I don't know how we would have coped without your support every day over the months, it meant a lot to us having people to speak to who understood how bad we felt. I couldn't sleep or think straight everyday thinking about my dog and what he must be going through. We couldn't get help from anyone and then we found you and managed to get through court and get our boy back home with us. He's been doing well and we've followed all the advice and info you sent us. Thanks for everything.
From: John Roggers, London
Wednesday 20th February 2008
Thank you for your advice about my dog who bit a lady's finger through the letter box.
From: Julie, Perry and Bailey x, Essex
9th February 2008
I am horrified to have seen the press release about Kodee.
I have two staffs a male and female and live in northwest london my male is all white with patches but is constantly being accused of being a pitbull,I am harrassed all the time by both public and police even on new years eve a police car screeched up beside me all ready to have a go.I am a 47 yr old woman i am forced to walk 3 miles to a large park to excersise them they are muzzled in the park even though they don't need it and then 3 miles home to take them to the local park would be traumatic for them and me.My male is deaf and blind in one eye and makes no trouble but you would think he was a serial killer the way people cross the road or swear at me when we go past.If theres anything ican do to help at all please let me know and good luck in all you do I for one certainly wish I could help .
From: Sally, London
Thursday 3rd January 2008
I shall send the petition to open the index, to my friends and get more signatures for these dogs.
From: Sam, London
Saturday 20th October 2007
It's great to see your are helping dogs that are endangered and rare and find it over whelming that your out to help keep them here ... they deserve a life just like any other dog i think it is truly amazing thank you and keep up the good work!
From: Lisa Hollywood X
Sunday 7th October 2007
I'm happy to help and support in any way I can, just let me know, you were always there for Dempsey and me-thank you for all you do to help dogs like her.
From: Dianne Fanneran, London
Tuesday 25th September 2007 20:44 BST
I hope that dog and cat (plus other animals also suffer terribly) fur is banned, after reading what is going on i was shocked and don't ever think i will forget the images and what I have read. I think every canine web site should draw attention to this, even if just in a small way, every bit helps. I've written to my MP as your suggested.
From: Sarah Fielding, West Sussex
Saturday 8th September 2007 09:05:19
Thanks for your advice concerning the re-homing of our American Bulldog due to us moving and not be able to take her, we never thought it would be so difficult to try and find a rescue with room to take her, it has been a nightmare for us, we now hope my parents will be able to look after her once she is neutered as you advised. All the best.
From: Tony & Michelle Bains, Huddersfield
Friday 31st August 2007 07:30:55
It's bad owners who need controlling not dogs, i'm fed up with irresponsible people giving everyone else a bad name. Any breed can behave dangerous depending on how it has been reared and looked after.
From: Gary Simmons, Derbyshire
Monday 13th August 2007 19:21:47
There are far too many dogs needing homes, just as many greyhounds, lurchers etc as staffords and bull breed sorts, it's a nightmare for anyone who is working in rescue, I don't know how this is ever going to improve. Very sad. All breeding should be stopped until we can all catch up!!!
From: Lesley Baker, Leeds
Thursday 2nd August 2007 23:07:29
morning all, I don't know how you people volunteer all your time to help dogs but the dogs, each one, must be very happy that you do, there are some horrible people out there, keep going, the truth must win through in the end and we must stand by our dogs who are innocent.
From: Keith
Saturday 28th July 2007 06:30:10
I just wanted to say thanks for your advice concerning our american bulldog, my brother was unable to keep his dog and couldn't find a foster or rescue who had room for him, it was nice tol speak to someone who understood what we were all going through, our dog is now in a dogs home and we are hoping to hear good news soon. We didn't know where to turn so thanks for helping us out.
From: Kelly Mays
Friday 20th July 2007 14:09:00
With sad regret on the 10th of March BSL was introduced in the State of Western Australia.
From: Marina, Western Australia
Sunday 15th July 2007 10:10:04
We would like to thank Amanda for all the help and advice she gave us when our nine year old rescue Airedale Terrier was accused of nipping someone, she has now been put on a dog bite register at our local police station, which we think is unfair but better than a prosecution. She was only protecting herself from another dog but its owner decided to try and separate them, there was no damage done just his pride dented but he insisted on reporting to the police instead of speaking directly to us. When we got her 6 years ago she had been under fed, beaten and not socialised, we have spent a lot of time getting her right and her only fault is if she is picked on by another dog she retaliates. We have another Airedale which we rescued 2 years ago and they are great friends.
From: Michele & Peter
Monday 9th July 2007 08:45:00
I have written to my MP as you suggested, I hope more people do write letters and maybe then we can get better laws to protect people from bad owners, i don't even own a dog but can see the problem is with the people who do have dogs and use them in bad ways.
From: John Humphrey, London
Wednesday 20th June 2007 10:33:02
WE have had our Stafford for eight years and she is a terrific gentle dog, i am fed up with reading the rubbish written by some newspapers about certain breeds, dogs are largely what their owners make them, bring up a puppy well and train and socialise it and you will have a good dog.
From: Steve Wilson, Bradford
Monday 29th April 2007 01:15:15
Thank you for your advice recently, our dog had been sezied and we did not know what to do.
From: Barry and Emma, Scotland
Saturday 14th April 2007 23:12:03
Petitions signed. Love the site especially the rehoming stories and long term residents-BigBoy looks like a star Pagan an Angel, or maybe not, but two treats are in the post for them, hope they enjoy!
From: Stella, Bolton, Lancs.
Sunday 8th April 2007 15:46:01
've been trying to get my Stafford into a rescue now for three weeks, he is a lovely dog but due to ill health I can no longer care for him. It has been a struggle, everywhere is booked and we are on four waiting lists all several months long. I never realised how awful the situation had become for rescue dogs. For us, we just keep trying, we will try to rehome privately but are worried about this and wanted the support of a rescue for him. Thank you for all your advice and support, it has kept us going. I think all breeding should be stopped until the rescue crisis can get sorted out some how, something must be done.
From: Kathy and Desmond the Staffie.
Saturday 31st March 2007 10:34:12
It was nice to read on your web site about the dogs who went to court and will now be returned. Registered but still alive, please continue to help innocent dogs, it's not their fault.
From: Juliette Banks, Salisbury, Wiltshire
Thursday 22nd March 2007 19:42:00
Thanks for all your advice with our American Bulldog Diesel, we wouldn't be without him now, at last we can get him out more as he no longer pulls us up the road, my arms are not so long any more! Your support and undertanding was terrific.
From: Penny Lawrence and Diesel, London
Friday 16th March 2007 22:31:31
So many bull breeds looking for homes, it is so sad. Keep up the work you do please don't give up.
From: Margaret Harrington, Manchester
Saturday 10th March 2007 20:10:41
Well done to everyone who supported the owners in court last week, i'm pleased to see that these dogs have been allowed to live, shall send a small donation to help.
From: Mike Burton, Liverpool
Monday 5th March 2007 15:20:31
It's hard to believe that in 2007 in the UK we have over a hundred locked up dogs, held due to looking the wrong type, what are all the big canine charities doing about this? Not enough! They should be screaming for their immediate release, what has this country come to.
From: Angela Steed, Liverpool
Wednesday 28th February 2007 08:48:12
We searched everywhere to find help as we were due to be charged under the DDA, thank you for all your support, Buddy was returned without charge and we can now sleep at night, this law really needs changing, such a waste of time and the people who are out there and causing trouble with their dogs get off scott free.
From: Michelle Davies, Liverpool
Friday 23rd February 2007 12:15:45
Petition signed! Keep up the good work everyone. I'll take it to training class next week.
From: Stacey and Bentley, Devon
Monday 19th February 2007 10:45:34
My next door neighbour has had his dog taken as a pit bull type, he is a lovley dog who is so friendly with everyone, we just found your web site and rang earlier, we wanted to say thanks for all your support and help, we didn't know what to do next.
From: Sue and Steve, St.Helens
Friday 16th February 2007 11:40:01
We have signed the deed not breed petition and told friends at work about it too, so hopefully a few more signatures will be added, you have our full support.
From: Angela & Darren, Sheffield
Tuesday 13th February 2007 07:14:01
If the Index for registered dogs was open, then anyone with a dog which may be covered, would be able to get their dog registered, if they wanted to, that would be a lot better than killing the dog. Why open it in 1991 for a few months and then shut it again? You have to go to Court to have a chance to get your dog registered in order to save it. What a waste of Court and Police time.
From: Edward Holmes, Liverpool
Friday, 9th February 2007 09:30:24
Thank you for providing so much information on your web site, it is good to see all the statements and comments from everyone who is opposed to the dog amnesty and taking of healthy family pets. When will Governments take action against the people who train their dogs to be dangerous and use them as a weapon or tool for their own illegal uses. Instead they just ban types of dogs as it's an easy option, too gutless to get tough and really protect kids. The amnesty is simply a PR exercise.
From: Wendy Evans, Cheshire
Wednesday, 7th February 2007 03:15:33
We wanted to thank you for your advice and support, living in Liverpool has been a nightmare this past week, we own a lovely bull breed cross, she is fantastic with our children, but we can't take her out anymore to the park in case she gets picked on and taken from us. I hope that the Police come to their senses and leave us to get on with our lives, that's all we ask.
From: Peter and Louise, St. Helens
Saturday, 3rd February 2007 22:14:09
Petition Now Available!
The petition is now available to sign and has already recieved a good number of signatures. This is one of the best ways we can get our voice heard. Please pass this to anyone you know who agrees with our cause!
Click below to access the petition to the Prime Minister
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/deedNOTbreed/
Please support Deed Not Breed.
From Sue, Herts.
Wednesday, 31st January 2007 12:15:09
Staffordshire Bull Terriers have been banned here, it is just plain stupid law which only affects responsible dog owners, Staffords are great with people and especially children. Dogs deserve better owners.
From: Beryl Edwards, Canada
Monday, 29th January 2007 10:15:07
Dog and cat fur should be banned in Europe, I totally agree, keep up the good work for our friends. Every bit helps.
From: Mrs Welsh, Suffolk
Friday, 26th January 2007 19:05:11
Innocent dogs need a voice, keep on speaking out for them please. The truth will win through eventually. I have sent you some stamps today to help.
From: David and Fionna, Colindale, North London
Wednesday, 24th January 2007 16:32:17
Well done to you and other groups like DOMINO, you have my full support. It’s time to get tough on irresponsible owners, only then will we prevent dog attacks.
From: Mr and Mrs Berry, Essex
Sunday, 21st January 2007 11:17:07
Ban stupid owners! Not kill innocent dogs. Keep trying to get the message across. I shall be at Crufts to spread the word.
From: Kathryn May, NSW, Australia
Wednesday, 17th January 2007 14:20:18
My dog is a Stafford cross Boxer, he is our family and people have been looking at him differently after reading all this rubbish in the papers. Why keep blaming the dog, what use is it?
From: Mrs Davies, Bolton, Lancashire
Monday, 15th January 2007 16:31:50
I found your articles on the Dangerous Dogs Act helpful and informative, keep up the good work, is there a petition we can sign?
From: Margaret Cooper, Canterbury, Kent
Saturday, 13th January 2007 10:30:00
It’s time to look to the other end of the leash, our kids deserve more protection and the don’t get any under the Dangerous Dogs Act laws. Bad owners are the root of the problem, we should be looking at bad people not dogs.
From: Cindy Harper, Birmingham
Thursday, 11th January 2007 23:46:22
The dog who attacked the little girl in Liverpool should be tested for drugs, was it kept outside as a guard dog, dogs don’t just attack like that unless someone has trained them to be aggressive. I hope there is a proper investigation to find out what has really happened.
From: Graham, Gwent
Monday, 8th January 2007 21:48:16
More bad press all aimed at specific breeds, so called devil dogs hits the news again, when will people learn that it’s the owners not the dogs, there’s always more to the story. I’m just fed up with reading this rubbish and nothing ever changes. Keep up the good work.
From: J.Payne, London
Saturday, 6th January 2007 18:44:12
It’s people who need to be controlled, the owners of some of these dogs should be looked at, a lot of them are just using their dog as a weapon or guard dog.
From: Martin D. Soames, Wales
Thursday, 4th January 2007 15:40:10
Happy New Year Freddie the staffie cross
From: Love Patricia, Brighton East Sussex
Sunday, 31st December 2006 08:07:22 (BST)
We adopted Dillion the American Bulldog and wanted to wish everyone at EDDR a Happy New Year, your advice and guidance these past few months has been splendid and we appreciate your back-up support for our Dillion, who is now a lot more happy and settled, after enduring a most unpleasant start in life.
From: Mike and Tracie Collins
Sunday, 31st December 2006 11:23:16 (BST)
Best wishes to everyone at EDDR for the New Year! Lets hope it is a good one for our trusted friend the dog.
From: Mr & Mrs Waters, Peterborough.
Saturday, 30th December 2006 08:39:44 (BST)
I am doing a University study and have chosen the Dangerous Dogs Act, I have been reading through all your information on the web site and it has been very much an eye opener for me. Do please continue to keep people informed. Thank you for your recent information received today in the post, it is proving to be most helpful.
From: Patricia Sears, Devon
Friday, 29th December 2006 15:20:33 (BST)
BBC Radio 4 is having a vote to select a current law to be repealed. It aims to get an MP to raise the selected law in Parliament. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 has been selected as one of only six nominations. You can vote here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/vote/2006vote/vote_index2.shtml
From: Wendy, Herts
Wednesday, 27th December 2006 08:40:01 (BST)
We wanted to thank you for your advice earlier this year with our staffie cross Benson, Benson had a very poor start in life, owned by someone who wanted a dog for all the wrong reasons, he came to us with several problems, but with your help we have built a strong bond together and Benson no longer trashes our home when he is left alone, he is also now officially 'toilet trained' and enjoying the company of everyone he meets-he just thinks every new person is great, we have even overcome our fear of riding in a car. So a big heartfelt thank you for all your support and wishing you all the best for 2007.
From: Julie, Richard, Benson and Pickles
Saturday, 23rd December 2006 20:04:07 (BST)
Have a Merry Xmas, we have put a blanket in the post for the old dog Freddie on your web site, hope it brings him a little comfort this winter.
From: Nikki, Surrey
Friday, 22nd December, 2006 15:09:11 (BST)
We own two pit bull terriers and they are both loving members of our family, when will people see that dogs are what we make them, baning a breed only punishes the good owners as they are the ones who register their dogs and abide by the law, the bad owners just go off and own another type of dog, causing a load of problems with the next breed, depending what the latest fashion is. Laws need to address the bad owners out there or we will just keep getting nowhere and no one is protected in the end.
From: Lucy Steel, Canada
Friday, 22nd December, 2006 06:15:30 (BST)
We are shocked at how many dogs have been killed as no one wants them, so we have signed the stand up and be counted petition and I will give out the details at work to, you never see all these dogs being put down on any of the tv series devoted to dogs now days, it really is a national disgrace, all breeding should just be stopped to give everyone a breathing space and the thousands of unwanted dogs a chance at finding a home.
From: Ester and Colin, Fife
Thursday, 21st December, 2006 11:20:13 (BST)
Christmas Wishes to all at EDDR, thank you for your help earlier this year, our dog is now safely back home with us, all the best to everyone.
From: John Stevens, London
Wednesday, 20th December, 2006 22:18:35 (BST)
We met Hendrix today (needing a home) he is great! Hendrix we love you cause you are so sweet, love and kisses xxx
From: Lucy, Pippa and Baggins
Saturday, 19th December 2006 11:22:77 (BST)
Happy Xmas and wishing your dogs all find their new homes very soon. Keep up the good work you do.
From: Jill Robbins and rescue dog Barney, Norfolk
Sunday, 17th December, 2006 19:05:10 (BST)
Merry Christmas to all at Endangered Dogs, we are sending a little something for the dogs in your care, hope it will be of use.
From: Stella Evans & Family, UK
Friday, 15th December, 2006 18:10:05 (BST)
All the best for Xmas and the New Year, thank you for your advice and help with our American Bulldog, Henry, think we have it sorted now! We have also joined training classes and its been pretty good.
From: Jan, Steve and Henry too! Cornwall
Monday, 11th December, 2006 10:20:22 (BST)
BigBoy, one of your long term residents looks so handsome, i'm posting him a big rawhide chew bone for Xmas, shall send it to the PO Box address, I had a dog like him, very strong and loving but bit of a handful, looks like he has had a tough start, hope you can help him.
From: C. Fletcher, Norfolk
Saturday, 9th December, 2006, 15:02:22 (BST)
My name is Karen, and I was wondering if the dangerous dogs act is to be amended. I completely agree with everything that you have wrote about how the breed shouldn't be punished for one dogs act of aggression.
How do humans have the right to distinguish what lives and dies. They aren't God, and extinction of a breed to suit bureaucrats is extremely wrong. I agree that there should be ways that stop dangerous owners owning these dogs, but it should be the owner that is punished, and not the dog, and certainly not the whole breed, some of whom have done absolutely nothing wrong. I am an animal lover, and I believe that animals like children, should be brought up with love, care and respect, in turn the dogs will grow into adulthood with the same values, regardless of breed. They are basically discriminating against the breeds, and yet they say that humans are caring beings. There is more stories in the news about humans doing horrific acts against each other, and yet they couldn't discriminate against the whole human race. There is more cases of child molestation, abduction, rape, murder. Do they sterilize those individuals, let alone discriminate against people of that gender, sex, race etc. There would be a complete uproar. Not even the people who do these henious acts get what they deserve - they get a few years in jail and then anonimity to protect them, and help them do it again. I am outraged that these governments think that they should control this planet like this, and for future generations who will only now of these breeds from pictures as victims of the past if something is not done to protect them. Please let me know what the position is on this now.
From: Karen Quinn, UK
Sunday, 22nd October, 2006 23:52:00 (BST)
I've read about this event in several places, hope you don't mind me posting it here, please support the Greyhounds:
We are able to release some initial details about the March for Greyhounds. We hope that this will give people time to make the necessary travel arrangements should they want to attend the event.
We are pleased to announce that the March for Greyhounds will take place on Saturday 18th November 2006, in Central London.
Participants should meet at Whitehall Place, London SW1, at 12 noon. The march will begin at 12.30pm and will last approximately one hour. It will end in Hyde Park where we will be able to gather for a vigil.
Central London is obviously noisy and crowded. Due to the location and nature of the event we advise that people do not bring their canine companions along with them.
Further information about the march, including press information will be released shortly.
From: Brenda, Middlesex
Thursday, 12th October, 2006 at 10:50:10 (BST)
We've had Rottweilers for years and never had a problem, all our dogs have been great with our children and we have loved them all dearly. People are dangerous, not dogs.