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The RSPCA conference held in London on Tuesday has prompted questions, debate and extensive talk across the U.K. I attended and was honestly surprised at the fair balance of views and opinions expressed on the day. Contrary to the typical media hype the day was not all about so called dangerous dogs although that clearly was a large point. Subjects including registration, tail docking, animal welfare and the roles of those enforcing the legislation were all discussed, even if some subjects received more discussion than others.

Speakers on the day were:

The Rt Hon Lord Rooker, Minister of State for Animal Welfare.

Richard Brunstrom, Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), Chief Constable North Wales.

Adam Goldfarb, Companion Animal Specialist, The humane Society of the United States.

Neil Davies, Head of Dog Unti, Merseyside Police

Dave Griffiths, East Hampshire District Council

Tim Wass, MBE, RSPCA Chief officer Inspectorate

Angela Walder RSPCA Trustee

Also attending the conference were representatives from Dogs trust and many other smaller rescue centres including Animals In Need in melling , Liverpool who have been directly affected by the Merseyside Amnesty. Dr Roger Mugford, Pam Rose, Kendal Shepherd all well known for their work in the court rooms and in support of owners. Metropolitan police were also there along with representatives from the Kennel Club. Pete Tallack ex Dog Legislation Officer and many others resulting in a total of 240 people .

The most discussed subjects as expected, focused on whether or not we would see a change in the legislation regarding so called dangerous dogs and the need for more finance particularly for those carrying out their duties as dog wardens. The general response to those points was a simple “No”. Repeatedly we were told that parliamentary time was not available to change legislation and there would be no extra funding. The sheer numbers of dogs available and those being destroyed each year caused the biggest stir as Angela Walder passionately declared we must stop the breeders. Ms Walder came top for me as the most passionate speaker of the day.

Trying to decide what points or comments are most important to relay back has been almost impossible, instead notes taken as the day progressed, are below.Please remember, it was a whole days discussion and these are only notes, some taking my interpretation of what was said and I am sure some points are missing. It is also worth commenting on the voting on the day. The percentage is the percentage of the number of delegates who voted for each separate question. I know at least once I did not vote (regarding compulsory chipping) as I do not believe chipping should be compulsory alone as Tattoos should also be an option. If anyone else was in attendance and wishes to add or clarify any points please do so using the comments function.

The one comment I hope really hits home to everyone at the conference and hopefully reaches a few people in the “real world” came from Ms Walder when she spoke of her pet tortoise. She stated that she noticed that the only time he made real progress is when he really sticks his neck out. That for me sums up what we should be doing in order to get real results. Sticking our necks out to push for things regardless of political climate or being told we have no parliamentary time. Ms Walder spoke with more passion than anyone else there and if enough people stick their necks out and speak with a fraction of the passion Ms Walder did, we WILL get parliamentary time and we WILL get results.

Notes:

First up was Bill Swann to open the conference. He made a point of impressing on people that this was an emotion topic at times and asked everyone “attack the issue and not the person”. He repeatedly made mention to the public being the most important of people who he wanted involved.

Jeff Rooker

He made reference to the fact that some of the issues being discussed where the same issues discussed at the start of his time in GOV. He stated that the government are not at the front line of the issues but groups such as RSPCA and the Police are and they must work together to solve the issues.

He stated you cannot legislate for human stupidity. The AWA was well received by Rooker who stated it was timely due to the findings on dog fighting. He pointed out that dog fighting is not compatible in today’s civilised society. High profile cases have been very distressing to all especially when a domestic pet turns on a child. He stated, “we all know” that dogs are being used to intimidate and as weapons. Referred to hospital records stating a large increase in admissions.

Rooker stated that the current legislation was robust and should be used. He wants it to be “tested and stretched” in courts. He went on to state strongly that no parliament time will be given for new legislation so that is an impossible ask.

He mentioned initiatives currently being done. BARK in Brent started in January 07 and claims to have been successful. Wandworths council have taken proactive action. He mentioned that police forces are to also do initiatives on Dangerous Dogs section three and section one. Mentioned that it is a sensitive issues on what should and should not be banned.

“Don’t tinker with the legislation we have”.

Mentioned PAT dogs and what a credit they are, how much they help people in homes etc. Wants awareness on how owners should act around dogs and train their dogs. Local authorities to “talk and act” Referred to the RSPCA being a trusted brand and should assist the public to understand the law.

Mentioned the guide being written up to enforcers and how it will stress good practice. This should be available in the summer. “The current law may be complicated but does not mean its bad.” He mentioned leaflets using “not that many words” to help better understanding.

Richard Brunstrom.

He started off saying the AWA was a “work of art” and he was full of confidence regarding its use. He said people may not be aware that the RSPCA have no added power and accepted the police role in enforcing laws. There was concern when the AWA act first came out that a surge in calls to RSPCA and police could be a problem but that has not happened.

In 2006 30765 welfare advice forms where given out 2317 warning notices. Between 04-07 there was a 2% increase in welfare calls to the RSCPA. Investigations where up 25% but he didn’t know why the sudden increase. Between 04-07 calls relating to alleged dog fighting rose from 20 to 350 and there where fifty prosecutions.

There has been an explosive growth in the number of SBT’s. We need to do something and pay serious attention to the issue. Breeding needs to be looked at. The numbers are not acceptable.

Tail docking. Discussed briefly the various laws on tail docking in England, Wales and Scotland. Congratulated Brighton LA for prosecuting the owner of rottie pups who cut their tails off with scissors. Pointed out the law can be used by Local authorities even though the RSPCA would have dealt with the issue.

Dangerous dogs. Pictures on screen of Ellie and Archie. The hospital figures are not perfect but the best info we have on dog bites. No figures on the cost of hospital treatment for those incidents but that money was being taken from people needing other treatments. Percentage of children being bitten dropping as more adults are being bitten now than ten years ago.

Four types banned of which three they believe to be extinct. They have no idea on the figures of suspected PBT in the country. PBT are the modern status symbol. Mentioned the exemption clause stating that works well.

Convictions in dog cases have a much lower success rate( 60% ) than other crimes (80%)

“BSL is stupid” but we are stuck with it as no parliamentary time. Mentioned that the DDA doesn’t cover private property. We need to test and stretch the legislation and we didn’t think through what we could do with it at the start. Its got to be enforced. We aren’t ready to change the legislation as we have no figures etc and therefore there is no case to ask for a change. Mentioned in brief CODA in Scotland and its likelihood of going through. Formal review in NI in progress. Need for more effective partnerships including lobby groups. Mentioned good proactive work in London with Met police. Stated most of the DDA does work if given determination. Need better information and training for police officers and better targeting of dogs and offenders..

Mentioned that when issues arise priority change is possible and DEFRA must be kept informed. Organisations who know and love dogs should be proactive.

Adam Goldfarb – Humane society

Lessons learned in the US – or not.

Stated from the start that “dangerous dog” Legislation does not mean PBT are dangerous. Spoke about media influences on the portrayal of the dogs and referred to the book “pit bull placebo” which looks into the media portrayal.

Right now its PBT but over the years its been gsd, dobies, and rotties. If you go back you see that breeds like bloodhounds where the breed of choice.

Media get dog attacks wrong. Since 07 the media in America have wrongly attributed 7 deaths to dog attacks when infact the cause of death is other, i.e heart attack.

Breed bans in America are not seeing great results and there’s mixed views on what’s happening. In Denver PBT bites are stated as decreasing but there’s no figures to show if this is overall for other breeds too.

Multnomah county have a good law which includes a 5 tier system. It’s removed the problem of repeat attacks. Stats say that 7 % of dogs that have bitten once, go on to do it again. Virginia has an online dangerous dogs register, which is similar to registers for sex offenders.

Deaths in the US from dog bites totalled 33 last year however 45 people where killed by lightening.

The three main factors in dog bites in the US are

1: reproductive stats, entire dogs (males) the biggest factor

2: no companion dogs- those not kept in the home as family pets

3: those improperly maintained.

There has never been a neutered PBT that has gone on to kill in the US. Chaining of dogs is a big issue increases risk 2.8%

Stray dogs returned entire cost more for owners to reclaim and this works well. Compulsory spay/neuter is having an effect.

San Francisco find overall bites are holding steady however pbt bites are down, pbt in rescues are down and pbt pts rate is down..

There is a problem in the Us with dogs being de clawed and de barked so authorities do not know they are there. Mentioned the use of spiked collars and boody traps being set up using the chains of dogs. Chains are set up in such a way you cannot go through without being bitten.

Clagary, not US but have a good set up with a licence fee with discounts for neutered dogs.

They have a positive programme, fees are less for dogs that have passed what sounds like a good citizen test. Re dogfighting ; not one person they interviewed ever set out to DF just happened into it.

Mentioned the testing/assessment on pbt’s being rehomed. Claims this shows the true ambassadors of the breed and stated they can make really good pets.

Bill Lambert from the kennel club pointed out that the number of dogs on the index is reducing and that AG stated neutered dogs are less risk so surely dogs on the register are less risk. Requested the index be re opened.

Brunstrom replied that he doesn’t oppose the register being reopened provided it is “controlled”.

The Mayhew mentioned the fact that PBT are at higher risk of abuse from humans.

Brumstrom mentioned the leaflet for enforcers that defra are doing. Wishes to replicate lessons learnt from met police and Merseyside. Stated we will see significant changes in the policy over the next few years.

Kendal shepherd asked about the HUS assessment on pbt. Adam replied you call a dog, push it away, call a dog push it away and you repeat this but a true PBT will “always come back when you call because they love you anyway” Adam compared the response of pbt with guarding breeds. Kendal asked if that means guarding breeds are more likely to bite. Adam replied saying he wouldn’t say that but that pbt where not more likely to bite which raised a laugh.

Brunstrom said that they need to prevent dog bites instead of simply getting convictions and that includes finding out why dogs are biting. A statement made about bloodlines being destroyed, however I didn’t fully hear this discussion.

Vote on whether BSL address the current problems 88% said no.

Neil Davies

Merseyside police were not prepared for happened. Didn’t have the equipment. Overall force Performance suffered. Outbreak of parvo virus caused a massive headache and much heathache .

Finance was an issue. Kennel costs vary 10-15 pounds per dog per day. They now vaccinate all dogs on arrival and pick up the bill, plus other vet fees.

Merseyside police issued guidance to officers. Stated in the early days they often picked up dogs that weren’t of type. Mentioned welfare and that it can always be improved. Stated they take immediate action on welfare issues. All dog are chipped on arrival and they pick up the bill. Each force now has a Dog Legislation Officer in Merseyside. Change is needed its healthy to review.

Bill Lambert (Kennel Club) asked why didn’t Merseyside Police let them help with DNA testing and profiling. Davies replied saying they are x breeds so not conclusive in law.

Dr Mugford stated that under AWA there’s a duty of care to the dogs held and that “in a sense you have been breaking the law” Neil davies “I take issues with that” and that they deal with all dogs as soon as an issues arises.

Kendal Shepherd (vet) mentioned vet records not going home with owners. Owners no idea when the dogs vaxes due, vets don’t know of past history. Requested police more open on this information and Davies agreed.

Vote: should more breeds be added 23% yes 77% no.

Dave Griffths

Spoke about stray issues problems listed:

Contracting out

Contracting out leads to high turnover of staff, lack of expertise and communication problems. Different Local authorities doing different things cause problems. The Police and public are confused. Police don’t know what people should do with strays so say “let the dog go”. States it’s a regressive step taking control from the police.

Money:

Not enough money and what there is, is not ring fenced. Many LAS don’t know they are getting any more money or what its for. Asked all DW to ensure they speak to LA and get the money needed used for dogs. Money granted covers approx a third of the cost of contractor in his area.

Confusion with many police thinking they don’t deal with any dog issues now although this is improving.

“Where practical “ part of the legislation = get out clause. Better guidance on where, when, what it consists of and who is prepared to deal. Rehoming is harder. More dog in particular staffies. Well meaning rescues bringing over Irish dogs causing greater strain on the situation. Mentioned lost dog websites. As great idea but too many. People don’t know which one to go too. Need for one main site.

How to improve:

Liasion with rspca police press etc. Budgets, is high profile job may need qualifications to ensure good service. One main dog lost site run by gov. More money for out of hour’s services and education. Proper guidance regarding out of hours responsibilities. 1871 dogs act to be used, maybe the use of ASBOS. AWA is good but no funding in LA to enforce it.Compulsory insurance for all dogs and this to be checked when dogs found straying.

Dog breeding legislation should be looked at. Believes current law is unenforceable since 1991. Anyone can breed a litter and say its an accident. Should chips be compulsory?

Question “why have the NDWA withdrawn from others” Dave answered that he couldn’t speak for them but he believes they haven’t withdrawn simply been excluded.

Tim Wass

Wass off saying he wasn’t going to talk about new legislation as no chance of it. “whats on the table is on the table”

Claims the DDA brought dog fighting to a close. But they are being imported now from the states. Went on to explain ranking in dog fights.. Its not all about the chance of attack but the damage they can do if they attack.

Dog control laws. 1st they must reach the communities but they don’t want to be reached. He made a pledge that in the next 12 months the RSPCA will conduct 40 individual animal action events at the 40 most deprived./biggest problem areas of England and Wales.

Showed a short film of cctv capture of four bullbreed types fighting in a grassed area with three young people. Said we need to change mindsets. Years ago drink drivers worried if they could get home without passing out, now they want to be under the limit. Wants the same thought with individuals on what is acceptable.

Animal cruelty – mentioned case of rottie with chains feet and muzzle, that hoarding which is now a recognised illness. Stated if the threat of a knock on the door stops it then great. People must comply with the law not break it.

Question : If a campaign is mounted for dog registration surely parliamentary time will be given. Tim Wass replied saying that for him, this conference was neither for new legislation nor new money. He went on to say we cannot prove anything without figures and we need to gather those figures now.

Question was asked regarding training and or qualifications for local authority people regarding the AWA. Rspca response stated they have a dog behaviour and training programme and offer some practical training regarding the AWA. Chris Lawrence (Dogs Trust) mentioned an animal welfare officers handbook drawn up by PAC (Pet advisory committee)

Vote: Should vets report dogs used for fighting to police. 91% yes 9% no. Suggestion following the poll of the role vets could possibly play in surveillance.

Angela Walder RSPCA trustee

She started off talking about a friend of hers who, according to my notes, is 47 years old. He’s her pet tortoise. She noted that the only time he makes any progress is when he really sticks his neck out.

She asked if dog registration is the answer to today’s problems. Mentioned animal centres are under pressure and said the RSPCA take dogs in many turn away. Rspca avoid at all costs destruction of dogs. Stated the problem with some breeds being harder to rehome. She said we must strive to achieve a reduction in the overall number of dogs and “stop the breeders” and have happier healthier dogs. This comment caused those in attendance to break into the biggest round of applause of the day .

Angela commented on resources and said we must find the resources to deal with the problems or we will have to make do with less. Must gain public support and that the public cannot be disregarded. She then made a valid point that every prosecution should be seen as a failure not a success as an issue should not be getting to that stage.

She then discussed registration schemes in different parts of the world pointing out that Australia there is enough money from the licence fee to fund a pet education centre.

She spoke about the U.K stray problem and would like to see all strays chipped before returned to their homes. On dangerous dogs her thoughts are there is “no such thing” its dangerous owners. While we will never get a system with a 100% success rate surely 60% or 70% is better than now. Things cannot stay as they are. Public debate must be based on fact and not on fears. She ended saying “Other countries are doing it and making profit. Why aren’t we?”

Simon ovens Met police asked a question on RSPCA presence in schools. Rspca had previously stated they speak to the teachers and not the kids in classes. Mr Ovens wanted to know it we weren’t “missing a trick” by not speaking with the kids directly. Tim Wass said if an area had a particular problem they could gain access to talk directly.

Bill Lambert stood and asked if Angela surely meant stop irresponsible breeders. This was greeted with a much smaller ripple of applause from the delegates and some chat so although I saw Angela make an animated reply I didn’t actually catch what she said.

Some of the delegates where then asked to comment on points brought up during the conference. Dr Roger Mugford was asked to explain the behaviour of dogs in a video clip shown earlier which Dr Mugford said should result in 1-2-1 training and dogs to be kept onlead and muzzled. He went on to state we must stop making assumptions based on the looks of the owners as we are in danger of demonising them.

Mike Radford a legal specialist in animal welfare was asked how we should “test and stretch” the legislation. Mr Radford stated it was early days with the duty of care under the AWA. It is disturbing to assume that there will be no more legislation. He believes there will be no primary legislation but can be secondary legislation. He stated public protection and cruelty are now fused as behavioural issues are now seen as welfare issues and can come under the AWA. He stated there is room for more legislation under the AWA and legislation is needed to tackle breeding for two reason: Genetic issues and the sheer numbers of dogs. He rightly pointed out that the first moving on of a pup (first home) is the most important and that the following weeks are crucial in the pups development.

Regarding neutering he stated there are two reasons why people do not neuter. Firstly they are lazy and secondly they want to breed. Definition of a breeder should be widened to possibly include entire dogs over 12 months and they should be up for tighter restrictions.

Panel discussion with Tim Wass rspca. Adam Goldfarb HUS Mike Radford legal animal welfare specialist. Annette conn expert witness.

Some recommendations put forward where better working together with other groups. To ensure all strays are neutered prior to rehoming. A national campaign on stray dogs. Make the issue of strays shameful like smoking. A campaign pushing the good side of Staffordshire bull terriers.

Tim Wass said we need to “turn the tap off” in relation to the breeding and supply of dogs. Charities must stop playing one against the other and we need to get figures down.

Mr Radford mentioned the possibility of legislation under the AWA to ensure a dog is properly socialised but this would need careful looking at.

Annette Conn mentioned legislation in other countries resulting in those with criminal records being unable to own certain breeds and that there was often a criminal element involved. Ms Conn also mentioned she had spoken with Caroline Kisco at the Kennel Club as to how difficult it would be to extend Petlog into a registration system. Ms Kiscos reply according to Ms Conn was that it would be fairly easy and inexpensive to do however Ms Conn did go on to explain the Kennel Club are against registration/licensing.

Kendal Shepherd agreed that there is a need for public support and education but stated we must be clear on what we are asking. We must separate the issue of dog bites from other issues. Responsible ownership will not put an end to dog bites. We need to look at why people want dogs. There is a very strong bond between owners and dogs and we need to notice it. That bond isn’t specific to owner staus, rich or poor young or old, that bond still exists between man and dog. We MUST look into why dogs are biting to gain any insight on reducing bites.

Simon ovens (met police) state dthey have a problem with dogs being used for protection and status symbols however didn’t have a huge problem with dog fighting.

Annette Conn mentioned again the confusion with police being unsure of their responsibilities, need for more Dog legislation officers and for the CPS to be more organised. Mistakes and hold up can mean dogs sit in kennels which is not good for their welfare nor the public purse.

Ian Mcpharland (met police) stated in the early days of the DDA they spent destroying dog but that has changed. He again pressed the need for figures.

Summing up

The summing up stated the need for a change in the way dogs are being bred and we need to decide how to deal with that issue. The need to tackle dog fighting and dog bites. Antisocial behaviour to be targeted. Legislation may be needed to regulate dog breeding and imports. The need to engage with the community and the need for dogs to be able to be identified. The final word went to thinking on how the current legislation can be strengthened. We cannot have new legislation now but may in the long term future.

Author Details
Alison is a long time dog owner and dangerous dog legislation observer who lives with her family and four Bull Breed dogs in Sussex. - See this author's webpage

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