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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 14th November 2023
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Experts to discuss ‘dangerous’ dogs at LVS
The Japanese Tosa is one of the breeds banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
BVA panel will include the only vet MP.

An expert panel, hosted by the British Veterinary Association (BVA), is set to debate the topic of ‘dangerous’ dogs at the London Vet Show this week.

The session, ‘Breed or Deed? Unpicking the complexities of “dangerous” dogs’, will discuss the effectiveness of breed specific legislation and how to deal with the issue of dog aggression.

BVA junior vice-president Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux will chair the debate. She will be joined by:
  • Dr Neil Hudson, Member of Parliament for Penrith and The Border
  • Dr Sam Gaines, head of companion animals, RSPCA
  • Cat Henstridge (Cat the Vet), first opinion veterinary surgeon and social media influencer
  • Trevor Cooper, Cooper & Co Solicitors.

After the Government announced in September that XL bully type dogs will be banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act, the issue of how to tackle aggressive behaviour by dogs has become a major talking point.

The move has been welcomed by some in the veterinary profession, including by Neil Hudson MP, the only veterinary surgeon in the House of Commons.

However, the ban has also drawn criticism, including from the Dog Control Coalition, which includes the BVA and the RSPCA among its members. The coalition wants to see an end to breed specific legislation, with a focus instead on education and early interventions to deal with behavioural concerns.

Dr Mullineaux said: “Dog aggression and bite incidents are complex public health and social issues to which there are no easy answers or quick-fix solutions. With a fifth breed type now added to the list of banned breeds, and with cases of dog bites still increasing, it is important to carefully consider the short and longer-term consequences of the decision, as well as ask questions about how effective this step will be.

“I hope to see many of our veterinary colleagues attending London Vet Show at what promises to be an extremely interesting and important debate.”

The session will take place at the BVA Congress Theatre at 1.45pm on Friday, 17 November.

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.