The Veterinary Record 160:140 (2007)
© 2007 British Veterinary Association
GOVERNMENT
Dangerous dogs: DEFRA says law may need changing
DEFRA has been undertaking an `urgent review' of the existing dangerous
dogs legislation following the recent dog attacks on children. It has
concluded that parts of the law, particularly in regard to dog attacks in the
home, may be in need of reform.
This information is provided in a response on DEFRA's website to
one of the top 10 most popular questions to the department from members of the
public. DEFRA says that, currently, courts cannot fine or imprison
the person responsible for a dog when an attack takes place in the home,
although they can if the attack is in a public place. It points out that most
other countries do not differentiate in this way, and says that it is
considering whether the time has come to change the law.
However, it adds that the Government does not want to `rush through changes
to the law that at the end of the day prove to be ineffective'. It says it
needs to be clear about the concerns of those enforcing the law and other
interested parties: `This is going to involve us consulting widely with the
police, animal welfare organisations and children's charities before any
proposals can be put before Parliament. This is bound to take time, but we do
not want to end up by being accused of coming up with another law through a
knee jerk reaction rather than proper consideration.'
DEFRA's comments are available on its website at
www.defra.gov.uk/news/questions
