Proposed dog law reforms criticised
The announcement by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) of a package of measures including plans to introduce compulsory microchipping for dogs in England and the extension of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to cover private property has prompted a mixed response from veterinary organisations and animal charities, many of whom have welcomed the proposed changes but argued that the measures did not go further constitutes a 'missed opportunity'.
While the proposed measures described above were generally welcomed, the lack of new legislation to completely overhaul the Dangerous Dogs Act has provoked strong criticism. It has also been highlighted by several concerned parties that the proposed reforms, while improving the likelihood of tracing dangerous dogs and subsequent prosecution, do not contain any new provision for preventing attacks in the first place.
Commenting on the announcement, Past President of the BVA Harvey Locke noted that “In the 2010 consultation the Government received the message loud and clear that the Dangerous Dogs Act has failed to protect both the public and dog welfare. Unfortunately, today’s announcement has missed this once in a generation opportunity to overhaul the legislation. Dog welfare charities, veterinary organisations, trade unions, and enforcement bodies have been united in the call for a complete overhaul of the legislation and a new, consolidated Bill to focus on prevention. There will be a huge amount of frustration and disappointment with today’s announcement.”
Also commenting, Chief Executive of the RSPCA Gavin Grant argued that “After years of watching the problem of irresponsible dog ownership spiral, this was the perfect chance for the current government to make huge strides forward for dog welfare. Instead they have taken only the smallest steps and merely tinkered with a piece of legislation that many people widely acknowledge is one of the biggest failures of modern politics.”
The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
