Gave evidence to key Government Committee on irresponsible dog ownership

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has given evidence to the Select Committee scrutinising the Government's handling of the dangerous dogs issue and advised the MPs on the shortcomings of current dogs laws.

Battersea believes that new consolidated legislation to tackle the problem of dangerous dogs is urgently needed. The charity hopes that the Dog Control and Welfare Inquiry will look closely at the problems with current dog legislation and what action can be taken to tackle irresponsible dog ownership.

The Committee, chaired by Anne McIntosh, looks very closely at the work of the Government Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Department. Battersea had a key role in advising the committee of its belief that an inquiry into dog control was needed, and the Committee launched its inquiry at Battersea in May.

Rob Jervis-Gibbons, Public Affairs Manager says: “Battersea warmly welcomes the Select Committee’s inquiry into dangerous dogs and dog welfare, as it can only help put pressure on the Government to improve the failed dog laws."

However, he also expressed the concern that the recent change-around of ministers suggests the Coalition Government is not sufficiently motivated to tackle the problems once and for all.

The changes the charity would like to see include:

• The compulsory microchipping of all dogs – and owners keeping details up to date
• New measures to make owners more accountable and responsible for the actions of their dogs, e.g. dog control notices
• Addressing the ‘deed not the breed’ – any dog can be dangerous
• Better enforcement of the law by the police, local authorities and dog wardens
• Harsher sentences by the courts for the owners of dangerous dogs
• Better education across schools and communities on dog ownership and behaviour