THE KENNEL CLUB HOSTS DANGEROUS DOG PARLIAMENTARY SEMINAR
'To protect both the safety of the public and the welfare of dogs'
On the 22nd May 2007 a 'Dangerous Dog' seminar and reception took place at the House of Commons, sponsored by Marsha Singh MP and arranged by the Kennel Club. The issue of dangerous dogs and protecting the public has been one that has posed a problem for legislators for many years and the event was well attended by politicians from all political persuasions and Defra civil servants, proving what an important initiative all consider the matter to be.
The primary purpose of the seminar was to persuade politicians - and Government - that it is high time to ensure better protection for the public without compromising dogs' welfare. The Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG), a wide-ranging group representing animal welfare, local authorities, police and veterinary professional organisations, have been considering the issue in depth for a while and believe that the introduction of their proposed 'Control of Dogs Act', which incorporates the better aspects of the Dogs Act 1871 and the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 as amended but ultimately repeals them - will do much to redress the balance.
Key speakers on the day were the Metropolitan Police Service, Kennel Club, Dogs Trust, Wandsworth Borough Council and an Association of Pet Dog Trainers behaviourist. The speakers' primary focus was of course to discuss and explore how to prevent dog biting incidents and, also to lay to rest the many myths surrounding dogs and why they bite.
Said Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, "The Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group, with backup from the Kennel Club, has been involved with this matter for a considerable number of years. We would like the current draconian, flawed, 'dangerous dog' legislation scrapped and replaced by the Group's drafted 'Control of Dogs Act', which will do far more to protect the public, responsible owners and their dogs."
Said Superintendent Simon Ovens, of the Metropolitan Police Service, "The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 as amended has been widely criticised as it has had a significant effect on the welfare of some dogs, which have either been kept in kennels for many years or euthanased simply because of their breed or type. Additionally, it has not prevented dog attacks in the UK and we are still dealing with cases of Pit Bull 'type' dogs. Statistics on dog attacks have not reduced since the Act was introduced and in fact, the number of hospitalisations is reported as having doubled. I would therefore welcome the suggested strengthening of Section Three of the current legislation, which would help target irresponsible owners."
The Group considers its proposals to be balanced, and (if implemented as intended) believes they will help to prevent future attacks on people and animals - thereby ensuring both the safety of the public and the welfare of dogs.
The next stage of the process will be for the Group to lobby Defra to ensure that necessary changes are made to existing legislation, in conjunction with the politicians, civil servants and organisations present at the meeting. If you require further information please do not hesitate to contact Kennel Club External Affairs on 020 7518 1020, email: phil.buckley@thekennelclub.org.uk.
The Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group includes representation from: the Kennel Club, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association, Dogs Trust, the Metropolitan Police, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, RSPCA, Wandsworth Borough Council and Wood Green Animal Shelter.
Reproduced with permission from the Kennel Club