My constituents have been contacting me about dangerous dogs.
I share concerns about the recent distressing rise in dog attacks and I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the families of the victims.
Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it is an offence to allow any dog to be out of control in any place. In addition, the Dogs Act 1871 allows a complaint to be made to a Magistrates’ court by any individual, the police, or local authorities where dogs are dangerous and not kept under proper control. The court may make any order it considers appropriate to require owners to keep their dogs under proper control.
I recognise the strength of feeling regarding the existing provisions around dog breeds in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
More broadly I do believe that any changes to current legislation would require careful consideration to ensure that public safety remains at its heart.
As you may know, the last Government took decisive action to protect the public by adding the XL Bully to the list of dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act, making it a criminal offence to breed, sell, advertise, rehome or abandon an XL Bully type dog. When in public, XL Bully dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. It has also been made illegal to own one of these dogs without an exemption.
I note that the RSPCA is publishing a report on international measures concerning dog ownership.
