Breed Specific Legislation, as part of the Dangerous Dogs Act, bans four breeds of dog from the UK. The issue here, is that despite being in place for over 25 years, the number of dog attacks is still rising. The reason for this is because the issue is not about the type of dog that is owned, but actually centres around responsible pet ownership. The law should instead focus on educating owners on dog behaviour, and the responsibility of owning a dog.
A lot has been done in this regard in terms of the microchipping law that is now in place, but more innocent dogs are still being destroyed. There is still more that has to be done so that no animal, not even one dog, is seized simply on the basis of it’s breed alone. We can change the law so that this focuses on promoting responsible ownership by ensuring that not only are dogs microchipped, but that they are kept on lead except in a secure area.
Even having to have a license in order to own a dog may help to promote responsible ownership, or making it compulsory to neuter a dog by a certain age, (unless you are a registered breeder) – there are a whole number of ways we can change this law so that it focuses on promoting responsibility among owners rather than simply a breed of dog. The penalties should also be more owner focused, imposing fines and sentences on owners that allow their dogs to be dangerously out of control or do not comply with other aspects of the law, irrespective of breed.
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