Dangerous Dogs Act Failing Say KC
The programme showed how dog re-homing centres are overwhelmed with bull breeds and their crosses which are often bought as so called ‘status’ dogs and trained for purposes of fighting and aggression. They are later abandoned when their owners have had enough or when the dogs are no longer able to fulfil their purpose.
The Kennel Club believes that one solution to the problem must lay with the repeal of the ineffective Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 which makes certain breeds and types of dog illegal, such as the Pitbull Terrier, but fails to crack down on irresponsible owners. Along with the other animal welfare charities that form part of the Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group, The Kennel Club has given its support to Lord Redesdale’s Dog Control Bill, which focuses on ‘deed not breed’ and owner responsibility.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “The Dangerous Dogs Act has not reduced the number of dog attacks. It has simply made banned breeds and their lookalikes, such as Staffordshire Bull Terriers, more appealing amongst those looking for a dog that will boost their ego. It is no coincidence that it is these dogs that are pouring into rehoming centres in their thousands.
“The current legislation ignores the overwhelming evidence that whether a dog is dangerous or well behaved is down to the owner. The priority must be to crack down on irresponsible owners who fail to train, care for and socialise their dogs, rather than wasting already overstretched police resources seizing banned breeds and their lookalikes simply because they are of a certain type.
“Staffordshire Bull Terriers, a breed loved by very many responsible owners but also suffering at the hands of those that are not, are gentle and loyal dogs often known as nanny dogs because of how affectionate they are around children. We sympathise with the situation that rehoming charities find themselves in but too many dogs with excellent temperaments are being destroyed through no fault of their own. Something must be done to protect these animals and that is why the Kennel Club has fully supported Lord Redesdale’s Dog Control Bill.”
Although other charities (such as the RSPCA) feel a dog owner licence may help, the Kennel Club feels that this will simply turn into a system for taxing responsible dog owners whilst irresponsible dog owners will continue to flout the law. Whilst the Kennel Club supports the principle of compulsory microchipping it believes that this must be done in conjunction with changes to the law and a public education campaign.
Mrs Kisko added: “A public education campaign is vital so people make informed choices about dog ownership which will result in lasting and loving relationships. We urge people who choose to buy a puppy rather than a rescue dog to go to a Kennel Club Accredited Breeder, who will socialise their pups from a young age and ensure that the right dogs are matched to the right owners so that the home they go to is a home for life.”
For more information about the Kennel Club’s lobbying campaigns and its work to get the ‘dangerous dogs’ legislation repealed please click here.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
