Lord Redesdale's Dog Control Bill One Step Closer To Passing

Voice Of The People Finally Heard As Dog Control Bill Successfully Passes Committee Stage, UK

Over 10,000 people called for it; the country's leading animal welfare and veterinary organisations, charities and local authorities fought for it; and Members of the House of Lords supported it when they voted to move Lord Redesdale's Dog Control Bill on to its final stage in the Lords.

The Bill proposes to replace failed dangerous dog legislation with a new law that would repeal breed specific legislation, introduce Dog Control Notices, and apply to both public and private places. Constructed by the Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG), the Dog Control Bill is continuing its path through the legislative system after being tabled by Lord Rupert Redesdale as a Private Members Bill in 2010.

Following the success of the Committee Stage of the Bill, Lord Redesdale commented:

"The Dog Control Bill quite rightly focuses on the other end of the lead - the dog owners themselves - and I am delighted that it has passed to the next stage. By introducing preventative measures, such as dog control orders to dogs of any kind, I believe we can go a long way towards protecting the public and ensuring responsible dog ownership for the benefit of all."

Subject to passing the Report Stage, the Bill will then move to the House of Commons. The final Report Stage in the House of Lords will take place approximately two weeks from today's Committee Stage.

In support of the Bill, DDASG launched a petition which has now received over 10,000 signatures.

DDASG believes in the principle of deed not breed, representing animal welfare, local authorities and veterinary professional organisations which include Battersea Dogs Home, The Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association, Dogs Trust, the Kennel Club, Mayhew Animal Home, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Wandsworth Borough Council and Wood Green Animal Shelters.

Notes

1. The Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG) is a wide-ranging group representing animal welfare, local authorities and veterinary professional organisations.

2. The Dog Control Bill is a tough new piece of legislation to replace the failed Dangerous Dogs Act and is supported by the DDASG. Specifically, the Bill would look to change the following:

- Repeal all existing 'dangerous dogs' legislation including breed specific legislation
- Introduce Dog Control Notices
Apply to both public and private places

3. The BVA position on dangerous dogs is available on our website

Source:
British Veterinary Association