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By Caroline Nokes MP - 6th July 2011
Caroline Nokes MP says owners need to be held accountable for the actions of their dog and calls on the government to respond to this important issue.
The Dangerous Dogs Act was introduced in 1991 in direct response to a number of terrible attacks, largely against children, by certain types of dog, specifically Pit Bull Terriers.
The hope then, by effectively outlawing a breed, demanding the compulsory neutering and euthanasia, was that the number of attacks by dogs would fall as this type of dog was eradicated. But that simply has not happened, and statistics show that the popularity of pit bull type dogs has grown. In 1996 Battersea Dogs Home accepted 360 bull terriers, last year it was in the region of 2500.
The Police have identified the growth in the number of dog attacks, specifically in inner cities, but also across the rest of the country, and they have raised concerns with the use of dogs as weapons. The penalties for owning a dangerous dog are far weaker than those for carrying a knife or a gun, but a dog trained to attack people or other dogs is no less lethal than a knife.
There is new legislation in both Scotland and Northern Ireland, and many Members of Parliament, and indeed more than 20 organisations involved in this issue are in agreement that the 1991 legislation needs updating, consolidating and improving. There is little evidence that identifying a type or breed as dangerous has helped, and the consensus of opinion is that it should be the deed not the breed. Owners need to be held accountable for the actions of their dogs, their behaviour is, in the vast majority of cases, learned, not inherent, and the poor training and management of dogs has led to the position we are in today.
The consultation in 2010 came to a range of conclusions, involving dog control orders, microchipping etc, but there is frustration that there has yet to be a comprehensive response from the government. The debate on dangerous dogs gives members an opportunity to highlight the failings in the current legislation, emphasise the costs to the public purse and to society from the problem, and call upon the government to respond to this important issue.
Caroline Nokeshas been Conservative MP for Romsey and Southampton North since 2010.
Article Comments
We congratulate Caroline Nokes on securing this important debate. The issue of dangerous dogs and the need to amend the current legislation is now a cross-party concern and we urge the government not to delay any further. Real action to address irresponsible owners must be taken as soon as possible to better protect the public, and to promote responsible dog ownership.
A combination of education services, early intervention, and measures that result in behaviour change are the solution to this problem. We want to see the government pushing forward this agenda, supporting the voluntary sector in its efforts, and ensuring that enforcement is properly resourced and effective.
Steve Goody, director of external affairs, the Blue Cross
6th Jul 2011 at 3:10 pm
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