Dangerous dogs

Policy: PAC supports legislation to control dangerous dogs and protect the public. However there is ample evidence that the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended in 1997) is ineffective in doing so.  PAC believes that revised DEFRA guidance on enforcement of the Act will do little to improve its efficacy. PAC believes that any legislation should judge the individual dog by its deeds and not its breed, supports the draft legislation tabled in the Scottish Parliament and urges DEFRA to introduce similar legislation for England and Wales.

Background: Since the introduction of the Dangerous Dogs Act in 1991 the number of people treated for dog bites has risen significantly.  Recent experience in London and other cities has shown that the number of dogs of the type known as a Pit Bull Terrier, banned in Section 1 of the Act, has also increased, probably as a result of social pressures.

PAC believes that new legislation should concentrate on the prevention of dog aggression using Control Orders to affect dogs’ and their owners’ behaviour.  Such orders should be easy to introduce and should be enforced by all the relevant authorities including the police and dog wardens.