The owners of dogs which attack people on private property could be prosecuted.
By Barnaby Dracup
Thursday, 09 September 2010
A group of animal welfare organisations including, the Dogs Trust, the British Veterinary Association and The Kennel Club, has joined to add their backing to a new Dog Control Bill.
The Bill, which passed its second reading in the House of Lords last month is intended to rectify perceived inadequacies in the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act.
A spokesman for the group said: “This Bill would consolidate previous legislation and better protect the public by targeting the cause of dog attacks — dog owners themselves.”
One of the key elements in the Bill will be that legislation will no longer be breed specific.
Supporters of the Bill argue that recent research has proved that genetics play only a limited part in a dog’s temperament.
More emphasis on the owner’s responsibilities would give authorised officers the powers to place Dog Control Notices on irresponsible owners at the first signs of dog aggression.
But a potentially controversial element is that in certain circumstances attacks which take place on private property would become a criminal offence.
A Country Land & Business Association spokesman said: “Many rural businesses depend on dogs so it is essential that additional costs and burdens are not imposed. Problems could arise when trespassers enter without permission and are attacked by a dog keeping guard. We have less sympathy for these incidents and are concerned new laws could lead to compensation claims that are detrimental to rural businesses.”
Christopher Bayfield, a pigeon shooter from Swaves...
Recent wet weather could cause problems for shoots...
A SPORTING TEAM: Enjoy all of the best shooting commentary with driven shooting's finest journal.
Don't miss this week's issue (on sale Wednesday 1st February). FREE PRIZE DRAW - it is week 3 of our great "Gun a Week" competition, see P53 for further details and how to enter! Plus, who is top dog? Paul Rawlings reports on the 2012 Cocker Spaniel Championship. Get down to your newsagents and buy your copy today!
The House of Commons select committee responsible for monitoring envir... Read more
BBC announces plan to screen live coverage online of the entire shooti... Read more
Comments