MP calls for change to Dangerous Dog Act
MP for Southend West Anna Firth has urged Parliament to change the Dangerous Dog Act, suggesting it does not recognise dog-on-dog attacks as an offence unless the dog is an assistance dog.
The call comes after a constituent’s Bichon Frisee was mauled to death in the rose garden at Chalkwell Park, Southend, by an out-of-control Mastiff Boxer Dog at the beginning of January.
Firth has called for an urgent debate and is writing to Defra on the matter. She said: “Dog-on-dog attacks is an increasing problem which needs to be addressed. It is not acceptable, for owners of dangerous dogs to escape prosecution, simply because their dog attacked a pet dog as opposed to an assistance dog, child or human being.
“For many, pet dogs are like members of the family often fulfilling a vital companionship role and to see a pet dog being torn apart in front of your eyes is devasting… This loophole needs to be urgently closed.”
One Comment
Phil
As a qualified, professional trainer with many years of experience, I am horrified by the RSPCA’s continuing calls to legalise all the most dangerous fighting and baiting breeds with their I’ll- informed opinion that every dog everywhere is equally as dangerous. This is absolutely untrue. Breed MATTERS in predicting a dog’s likely behaviour and sensitivities. How many children have been killed by Yorkies ? How many by pit-bull derivatives ? How many by Newfies ? How many by Rottweilers ? The RSPCA are experts on rescuing animals, NOT dog behaviour and training. They need to stick to the subject they understand and leave dog behaviour judgements to experienced, professional trainers (not read-a-book, dun-a-course teenagers)