RSPCA seeks change of approach to dog control
The RSPCA has renewed calls for the UK Government to take urgent action to protect the public after a number of tragic incidents involving dogs.
The charity, which runs the #EndBSL campaign and is a member of the Dog Control Coalition, believes a reported rise in dog bite incidents since the start of the pandemic highlights that current dog control laws – including breed-specific legislation (BSL) that prohibits the keeping of four types of dogs due solely to their breed – is not fit for purpose.
The government has established a steering group to look at how to reduce dog attacks and encourage responsible dog ownership, but has left out BSL as part of the group’s remit. The RSPCA believes that that failure to do so is misguided and ignores the wealth of evidence which illustrates the failures in breed specific approaches.
RSPCA dog welfare expert, Dr Sam Gaines, said: “We’re devastated by the number of fatal incidents involving dogs over recent months and believe it’s a clear sign that the current dog control legislation in the UK is flawed, outdated and ineffective.
“What’s really concerning are recent calls to expand the list of banned types. We need to acknowledge the scientific evidence in this area which has shown that breed is not a good predictor of risk. Legislation that targets certain types of dogs is fundamentally flawed and lulls the public into a false sense of security that some dogs are dangerous and others are safe.
“We need legislation that better protects public safety and dog welfare, ensures responsible dog ownership, allows better education to keep people safe around dogs, and allows early intervention to help dogs with behavioural concerns. This includes measures that deter and punish owners of dogs whose behaviour is deemed dangerous however these cannot be breed specific in approach.”
