Blue Cross shocked at government who present inaccurate information at evidence session into ‘dangerous dogs’

Blue Cross has been left astounded after government evidence presented this morning (4 July 2018) to the Efra committee showed they still support breed-specific legislation despite animal experts, charities and police wanting a review.

Section one of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 outlaws four types of dog based on their physical appearance. Behaviour and genetics are not taken into account.

In previous evidence presented to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) select committee inquiry into the effectiveness of the Act, multiple charity, veterinary and pet behavioural experts have submitted evidence demonstrating that any breed of dog can be dangerous in the hands of the wrong owner and that innocent dogs are currently losing their lives simply based on the way they look, rather than their actions.

Police and local authorities have also supported a review of the legislation. Deputy Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard, lead for dangerous dogs, National Police Chiefs Council, told the inquiry he was happy for the Dangerous Dogs Act “to be looked at again” while Mark Berry, representing local government, said the evidence “shows breed specification doesn’t work.”

Yet, in today’s evidence session, senior Defra civil servant Marc Casale said they were unwilling to consider a repeal of section one and delivered worrying  information about one of the banned breed types –the pit bull terrier –stating they are inherently dangerous and can lock their jaws; an inaccurate myth with no scientific basis.

Shockingly, Defra also refused again the many calls from rescue centres to be able to rehome innocent dogs who have displayed no aggressive behaviour but are condemned to death simply on looks alone as a result of this legislation. When asked whether dogs like these should be considered acceptable ‘collateral damage’ of the policy the Minister responded “yes”. 

Becky Thwaites, Head of Public Affairs said: “Blue Cross is extremely disappointed at the evidence presented today from Defra. A wealth of scientific evidence has been put forward to demonstrate the ineffectiveness of this law and the number of innocent dogs who are losing their lives. In the face of this, representatives seem happy to stick to the mantra about some breeds being inherently dangerous; something which is simply not true.

“We would welcome a more concise piece of dangerous dogs legislation which would be easier to enforce and allow them to concentrate on the deed of the dog rather than the breed. This would help them to focus on securing swifter prosecutions of irresponsible dog owners and ensure a consistent approach by police forces, local authorities and courts across the country.

“We know there is a postcode lottery when it comes to how dogs suspected of being section one are treated across the country by police forces and local authorities who are under-funded and may lack the necessary resources and knowledge to properly enforce the current law.

“This means many innocent dogs suffer because of a lack of understanding of the haphazard and overcomplicated legislation.

“No dog can be classed as dangerous simply based on how they look. Breed-specific legislation is failing to protect the public and leading to thousands of innocent dogs being put to sleep or kennelled unnecessarily while dog attacks continue to rise.”

Blue Cross wants an immediate amendment to the legislation to allow rescue centres permission to rehome safe section one dogs that arrive in their care.

Under section one of the Dangerous Dogs Act, pet dogs can be seized and are often taken away from their loving homes and forced to spend weeks, months, even years in kennels, while owners are forced to go through a lengthy court process to prove their dog is safe.

Even when a pet has been found to be safe by the courts, dogs are still criminalised by being placed on the Index of Exempted Dogs and owners have to follow a strict set of rules, including ensuring their pet is muzzled.

Over 56,000 members of the public have already signed our petition calling for a repeal of section one of the Dangerous Dogs Act since its launch just weeks ago.