Dogs and Breed Specific Legislation

Dear constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about dangerous dogs and Breed Specific Legislation (BSL).

I agree the current approach to dog control is misguided and is failing to protect people adequately. Since the Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA) came into force, more people have been killed by dog attacks and more people are being admitted to hospital due to dog bites. At the same time, too many harmless dogs are being destroyed simply because they are a banned breed regardless of their temperament.

We must be more pragmatic when it comes to banning certain dogs based just on their breed. All dogs can bite or be dangerous in the wrong hands, regardless of breed, type or the fact they look a certain way. Any action to tackle dog bites and canine aggression must focus on the deed, not the breed.

In 2018, the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee carried out an inquiry on BSL. The Committee called for a full-scale review of current dog control legislation and policy to ensure the public is properly protected and animal welfare concerns are addressed. It said changing the law on BSL is desirable, achievable, and would better protect the public.

I believe we should seek to improve dog control legislation, taking into account the recommendations of the EFRA inquiry to better protect the public and dogs. We need a more holistic approach that focuses on prevention through education, responsible ownership and early intervention.

The UK Government has commissioned research by Middlesex University into current dog control measures, which it says will help to inform implementation of some of EFRA's recommendations. But it maintains the view that prohibition of the four dog breeds under the DDA should remain in place because it says these prohibited dogs pose an inherent risk. The Select Committee, however, found insufficient evidence to substantiate this claim.

The parliamentary petition which calls for BSL to be replaced received over 100,000 signatures and will now be debated on 5 July 2021. I will bear in mind the points you have raised.

Thank you once again for contacting me and sharing your views.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Dowd MP