Dog Control Bill passes through House of Lords

Friday, 28th October 2011

People who buy dog food for dangerous animals may soon have to take responsibility for the actions of their animals, as the Dog Control Bill has passed through the House of Lords.

A number of organisations, including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Dogs Trust and Wood Green The Animal Charity, are looking for the Dangerous Dogs Act to be overhauled.

At present, a number of breeds are banned, but proposals have been put forward to put more emphasis on responsible dog ownership and place blame on owners rather than the animal. The bill will now go to the House of Commons.

The Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG), which is pushing for change to legislation, is made up of charities, local authorities and vet organisations.

Wandsworth Dog Control Service Manager and DDASG Chairman, Mark Callis said: "Our members all know from personal experience that the aggressive, problematic dogs are always the ones which have been treated badly, neglected, or, in some of the worst cases, deliberately trained to intimidate others.

"This Bill would give us the powers we need to tackle the root cause of the country's dangerous dog issues - bad owners."

Following the third reading of the bill, Lord Redesdale said he was "delighted" to be part of the movement.