http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/2393/23/5/3
“Breed Specific Law is Bad Law - it Simply Doesn't Work” - Peers Speak Out Over Flawed Dangerous Dogs Legislation
The ‘Dog Control Bill’ tabled by Liberal Democrat Peer Lord Redesdale, received its second reading in the House of Lords on Friday.
The Bill, which could repeal the Dangerous Dogs Act, received support from Conservative and Liberal Democrat Peers on the basis that it is non breed specific and would do more to target irresponsible owners and better protect the public. Lord Tyler (Liberal Democrat) highlighted that the Dangerous Dogs Act is quoted to political students as an example of “the dangers of knee jerk legislation” and added “breed specific law is bad law; it simply doesn’t work”. Earl Cathcart (Conservative) stated that the DDA was “hastily brought in” and that “You wouldn’t arrest a human based on their looks so why dogs?”
The Kennel Club broadly welcomed the second reading of the Bill which if passed, would introduce major changes to current dangerous dogs legislation. These changes include:
Legislation would no longer be breed specific - it is generally accepted that genetics (breed) plays only a part in the temperament of an individual dog and scientific studies from around the world show that environment and training have a far greater effect.
More emphasis on the owner, so that instead of banning specific breeds of dog, the dog’s behaviour – as well as its treatment by its owner – would be used to determine if it is a risk to public safety under the Dog Control Bill.
Attacks on private property would also become a criminal offence.
Following the debate, Lord Redesdale agreed to review various parts of the Bill, including removing a clause which would make it an offence to keep a dog that has injured another dog or animal. The Kennel Club had previously raised concerns that this could theoretically lead to the seizure of any dog which attacked a rat or rabbit for example, and had pushed for the Bill to be amended.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Communications Director, welcomed Friday’s response by the Lords: “The debate which took place in the House of Lords is an extremely welcome one. Current legislation is severely flawed and has failed in its attempts to protect the public or reduce the number of pit bull terriers in the UK.
“The Kennel Club is pleased that Lord Redesdale will now look to amend his Bill at committee stage and we will continue to push for changes on areas of the Bill with which we have concerns.”
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