MPs call for further dog control action
In response to the draft Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Bill, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EFRACom) has issued a report scrutinising the proposals.
The committee, along with veterinary and welfare organisations, welcomed these proposals, but feel that they do not go far enough.
Launching the pre-legislative scrutiny, committee chair Anne McIntosh MP, said: "The draft Bill’s proposals are welcome, but are limited in scope and far short of providing a comprehensive and effective regime for tackling the increasing problem of out-of-control dogs.
"Strong measures to prevent dog attacks are conspicuously absent—in particular targeted Dog Control Notices. The Government must bring together the disparate dog control and breeding legislation into a single, comprehensive Act."
The proposal to allow owners to be prosecuted if their dog attacks on private property have been widely welcomed, along with proposals to make dog attacks on assistance dogs an offence. The committee has recommended this be extended to cover protected animals such as horses and livestock.
Commenting on EFRACom's response, David Bowles, head of the RSPCA's public affairs, said: "We are thrilled to see that the report backed RSPCA calls for the introduction of targeted Dog Control Notices… Only these will give law enforcers a realistic chance to prevent attacks and improve dog welfare."
In a statement, British Veterinary Association (BVA) president, Peter Jones, said: "Instead of making more mistakes with hastily made legislation we are asking the Government to think again and reconsider introducing Dog Control Notices."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
