Dog Control Bill
I received a very interesting email regarding legislation change happening in the UK, replacing the Dangerous Dogs Act with the Dog Control Bill.
According to Lord Redesdale, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was a reaction to high profile attacks and partly thanks to this, irresponsible dog owners now pick bull breeds as some sort of status symbol, breeding them to be tough and leading to animal welfare concerns.
Claire Robinson, the RSPCA’s Government Relations Manager, said:
“The RSPCA is delighted at the introduction of the Dog Control Bill by Lord Redesdale in the House of Lords. The Society has long stated that the Dangerous Dogs Act is flawed because it penalises dogs for their breed, rather than the deed of the owner.
“The Dog Control Bill instead places the emphasis on owners being responsible for their dogs – whatever the breed – in public and private places. For this reason the RSPCA has given its support to the principles of the Bill. The cross-party support the reading of the Bill received clearly shows there is widespread belief it is time the Government took another look at the current dog legislation and we believe the Dog Control Bill is a major step towards this.”
I’m also a believer that the problem with vicious dogs has more to do with the owner than the dog. The spotlight needs to be taken away from wiping out the bully breeds by instituting BSL and focused on making owners take responsibility for their dogs. When a dog gets taken away usually it’s put down, the owner on the other hand gets a slap on the wrist. Until the penalties become painful to the owners don’t expect them to step up to the plate.
It would be great to see this kind of legislation pass in the US. Give me a bark and let me know what you think.
* ADOPTABLE: Calypso was saved from death row and is currently being fostered, she needs a loving forever home.
Woof woof! on what they are doing in the UK. However, here in the US we don’t want to make people responsible for their actions (i.e., Twinkie defense), so I don’t know how well it would fly here…Sadly!
I love it! A common sense law…imagine that!
Be great if it would work.
I’m a bully and I’m thinking if this bill passes in England it might be time to migrate there.
I’d like to know more about this bill. Our city is currently considering a ban on pit bulls. I’m working to fight it and to come up with other alternatives. Knowing the details of these two bills and the statstics behind why they feel the first was ineffective would be a big help.
We live in the UK and we are so happy about this law!
Must admit they do try to change the laws here, our mummy was shocked when she went to USA how doggies and cats are sold in shops!!!!! that has been illegal here fur a long time!!! They have really cracked down on puppy mills or farms, and so very few dogs are kept outside it is VERY unusual to see a dog tied in a yard, it happens but not a lot!
We is gald we lives here weally they are pretty good compared to some countries. If you are interested in UK LAWS AND LEGISLATIONS this is a great site
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/index.htm
Also explains the laws travelling with pets to and from UK as we have been rabies free for nearly 100 years thats why are laws are so strict!
They do punish the owners over here and if the dog is not TOOO dangerous will try very hard to get it reconditoned and get a home.
Now that’s progress. Learn from your mistakes. Take it out on the problem starters not the unfortunate ones that are taught from there dirty hands.