Vets join push for ‘total overhaul’ of Dangerous Dogs Act
Pit bull terriers are among the four breeds banned in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Veterinary and animal welfare organisations have joined forces to prevent certain dog breeds from being put down based on their appearance.
The BVA has teamed up with Dogs Trust, Battersea, The Kennel Club and the RSPCA to push for changes to Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act, which applies breed-specific legislation (BSL) banning the ownership of four different dog breeds.
BVA senior vice president Daniella Dos Santos said: “The veterinary profession has long campaigned for a total overhaul of the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act because it targets specific breeds rather than deeds and gives a false impression that dogs not on the banned list are ‘safe’.
“All the latest evidence supports our view that breed-specific legislation has been ineffective in its intended aims, thereby failing to either properly protect the public or safeguard dog welfare over the last three decades.”
The move comes on the 30th Anniversary of the Dangerous Dogs Act, introduced to protect the public after a series of tragic incidents involving dogs. However, campaigners argue that the legislation was never well-considered or based on scientific evidence.
In 2016, the RSPCA launched the #EndBSL campaign which led to a parliamentary inquiry into the legislation. Findings later published by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee stated that a change in the law would be achievable and better protect the public, but the legislation remains unchanged.
According to Battersea, the Dangerous Dogs Act has done little to protect the public from dog attacks, with hospital admissions for dog bites rising by 154 per cent between 1999 and 2019.
Battersea chief executive, Peter Laurie, said: “Every year many friendly dogs are unfairly condemned simply for the way that they look. Ultimately it is rescue organisations like Battersea who care for these dogs and that have to deal with this flawed and unfair legislation. We urge the Government to review the law properly; and work with welfare groups and dog owners to craft new legislation that puts the focus on a dog’s actions rather than its appearance.”
Daniella Dos Santos added: "As the Dangerous Dogs Act completes 30 years, we continue to call on the Government to enact robust, fit-for-purpose legislation that effectively tackles individual acts of aggression and irresponsible ownership, rather than banning entire breeds.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
