Following our report last week that the RSPCA has backed calls from DDA Watch and C-fidos for the Government to end BSL by way of the deeply flawed section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act, Claire Robinson, the RSPCA’s Government Relations Manager has echoed concerns about the weakness of a law which focuses on the breed rather than the deed.

Speaking to K9 Magazine she explains:

“The RSPCA has always stated the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is flawed, in that it focuses on breed, rather than ‘deed’. Clearly, Section 1 of the DDA is the most prominent example of breed specific legislation.

“Our animal hospitals treat bull-terrier type dogs on a daily basis for bite wounds, stabbings, injuries from traffic accidents and diseases caused by indiscriminate breeding.

“We believe that any future legislation concerning the control of dogs should focus on the action of the owner and preventing irresponsible dog ownership. Irresponsible owners can own dogs of any breed or type, and no dog should be penalised because of its genetic make up.”

The Coalition for Improved Dog Ownership Standards (C-fidos) and DDAWatch, an organisation lobbying for fair, effective dog laws, have publicly asked organisations who share a true anti BSL stance to vocally call for an end to section 1 of the dangerous dogs act. Section 1 of the act is the specific part of the dangerous dog law that outlaws dogs by type and has caused many innocent dogs to lose their lives as a direct result.

There is a growing awareness amongst the public and indeed legislators that BSL – as a concept – has failed and is grossly unjust. Opposition to the concept of BSL has not produced a change in the law though and lobbying groups are keen to stress that unless the BSL element of the law is tackled we will simply retain BSL even though many are publicly opposed to it.

One organisation which has consistently opposed breed specific legislation before it was introduced in 1991 is the National Dog Warden Association whose vice-chair, Dave Holden, was keen to offer congratulations to those calling for a repeal of the ill-thought out law:

I would like to congratulate the RSPCA on this announcement. The NDWA has been publically anti BSL from the beginning. I hope that some of the other large organisations now join with DDAWatch, C-fidos, NDWA and RSPCA to bring about the early repeal of Section 1. Well done to all concerned.

K9 Magazine echoes Mr Holden’s sentiments. If you oppose BSL, please be loud in your calls for a repeal of section 1. It’s time to address the specifics rather than oppose the concept. We have BSL, we need to replace it.

End BSL

Highly Recommended: What dog owner wouldn’t want a piece of THIS action? – Get FREE dog food!

Related posts:

1. Dangerous Dogs Act Breakthrough: RSPCA Back Calls For Immediate End to BSL
2. Are the RSPCA Seizing Dogs Under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act?
3. The Dangerous Dogs Act: It’s Time For Breed Specific Legislation To Go & Go Now
4. Support Grows for RSPCA’s Call for BSL Repeal
5. RSPCA Commended For Breed Specific Legislation Stance