Action on dangerous dogs
The government has announced a consultation on new measures to tackle the problem of dangerous dogs.
This comes after the 12-fold increase in complaints to the RSPCA about dog fights between 2004 and 2008.
The Kennel Club and the Communications Workers Union, which has a large membership of postal workers, have welcomed the consultation.
The issue of ‘status dogs’ and dog fighting is one that resonates with the local community and Chuka Umunna fully supports the consultation. The Safer Neighbourhood Team in Tulse Hill, introduced by Labour, has successfully targeted dog fighting following its identification as a ward priority by the community members on the area’s Safer Neighbourhood Community Panel.
The consultation looks to build on the changes last year which saw new police and court orders to restrict the movements of gang members and prohibit them from owning or being in control of dogs.
Options include extending the provisions within the Dangerous Dogs Act to all places including private property, giving police and local councils more power to tackle potentially dangerous dogs through the introduction of Dog Control Notices and the removal of exemption notices which allows some people to keep banned dogs.
If you wish to contribute your thoughts to the consultation then you can do so via email to or by writing to Defra, Animal Welfare Act Implementation Team, No 9 Millbank, c/o 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR. The consultation documents can be found on the Defra website along with a consultation letter and an online questionnaire.
