Calls for tougher dangerous dogs laws are unwarranted according to police chiefs.

In the wake of increased media attention on dog attack stories following the deaths of Cadey Lee Deacon, Ellie Lawrenson and Archie Lee Hirst over the past couple of years, calls have come from some quarters to toughen legislation on dangerous dogs.

However Police bosses don’t believe the law needs to be changed.

A Government review of the 1991 Dangerous Dogs act reveals there is “little support” for a revision of the existing legislation.

DEFRA launched the consultation in 2007 following the high profile attacks and fatal maulings seen in the UK.

Police forces throughout the UK were quizzed by DEFRA on how they felt the law was being implemented and if they had any recommendations to strengthen it, particularly in relation to attacks occuring on dog owners private property.

Under the FOIA, it was revealed 32 of the 43 forces responded to the DEFRA consultation with the feeling being:

“There was little support for major changes to the existing law.

Most of the forces that responded felt that due to local circumstances, the need to police the legislation was not a priority, because dangerous dogs did not pose significant problems in the area.

Ten forces complained about the cost of enforcing the ban and the problems with kennelling seized dogs.

Three forces said court cases were often protracted.

Only four forces felt that there was a need for major change in the law, three felt there was not and 15 suggested issues to be looked into.

The most overwhelming response was for better training for officers or other increase of expertise.

This could include having a designated officer in the force or a pool of experts that could be supplied to the police.

Other suggestions included better guidance on how to identify banned dogs, more involvement from local councils in enforcing the ban, wider court orders, a general dog licensing scheme and “house arrest” rather than kennelling for seized dogs.

Three forces felt more breeds should be banned and two forces mentioned the need for compensation for victims.

Eight agreed the law should be extended to cover private property and seven thought this should be considered but further thought was needed.

A DEFRA rep is quoted: “We feel the laws are adequate to cover a dog if it commits an atrocity in the public or private domain.

“The issue is really about enforcement and helping the police and public to identify illegal types of dog, and to that end we have been revising our communication and literature to help raise awareness about dangerous dog policy.”

USEFUL LINKS:

Stop Dog Attacks
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

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