Dangerous Dogs Act Meeting at the Kennel Club

158.03

‘Deal With The Deed Not The Breed’

On the 9th October 2003, the Kennel Club hosted a meeting to discuss the Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA) 1991, with a view to making representations to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and suggesting ways that the current Act could be amended or even rewritten.

This meeting came about as a result of the initial forum organised by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) at New Scotland Yard in June. Organisations in attendance included the MPS, the Kennel Club, Dogs Trust (the new name for the NCDL) and the RSPCA.

Chairing the meeting was Chief Superintendent Simon Ovens of the MPS, who, amongst other duties, is responsible for Dangerous Dog policy in the London area. The MPS are regarded as nationwide leaders with reference to their views and policy regarding ‘dangerous dogs’ and with their proactive assistance, dogs held under the DDA in the London area that pose no danger to the public have already been re-homed after behavioural assessment.

All organisations present were in agreement that the DDA needs modification as breed specific legislation is not the solution. Furthermore, all agreed that a large percentage of dog biting incidents were due to the irresponsible actions of owners, who had either not taken the time and trouble to train their dog correctly, or had indeed trained them to become aggressive.

The slogan ‘Punish The Deed Not The Breed’ – that has long been adopted by Domino, a campaigning group of concerned dog owners under the umbrella of the KC and others - was discussed and approved by all present, further clarifying where the real problems of the DDA exist.

Said Chief Superintendent Ovens, “The MPS is very pleased to be working alongside Dog Legislation Advisory Group (DLAG) members with regard to this important issue. We feel that if we approach DEFRA as a unified group they will listen to our concerns and consider modifying this piece of legislation.”

Caroline Kisko, Secretary to the Kennel Club concluded, “Once again, we are encouraged with the way in which the MPS and DLAG continue to work together and the next step will be to prepare a paper for civil servants at DEFRA and seek a meeting with them.”

It is envisaged that this paper will be produced by November and the next ‘Dangerous Dogs’ meeting will take place in the early part of the New Year.

ENDS
22/10/03

Contact For Further Information:
Press Office
020 7518 1008 / 1020
pressoffice@the-kennel-club.org.uk