It’s time to better protect the public and encourage responsible dog ownership

Having closely followed and monitored the recent horrific dog attacks, the Kennel Club would like firstly to share their deepest sympathies with the families concerned, and secondly offer advice for the public at large as to how these attacks can be prevented.

Public feeling is running high and is somewhat divided but adding any breed to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (DDA) would not help the situation and could in fact exacerbate it.  Breed specific legislation is not the solution:  Banning an entire breed for the actions of individual animals achieves nothing, as all dogs have the capacity to be dangerous if not properly trained and controlled.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “The key is in taking preventative measures, so these sorts of attacks don’t arise in the first place.  These measures include awareness, education and training – the onus being on the owner.  A responsible dog owner knows that you never leave a dog and a child, especially an infant, alone and unattended.  It is the responsibility of parents, teachers, and the government to educate children with what to do (and what not) when they are in the company of a dog”.

The Kennel Club offers two education programmes; one aimed at children – Safe and Sound, and one for dog-owning adults.  The purpose of the Safe and Sound Scheme is to promote the safe interaction between children and dogs, and teaches children how to behave around dogs to stay safe.  It can never be taken for granted that any dog will be 100% safe with everyone all of the time, and children have to be taught how to behave in the company of even the best trained dog.  The scheme is in the form of a fun, interactive programme, and is very popular with children.

The Good Citizen Dog Scheme covers both the theory and practical dog training skills, which are important in everyday life situations.  There are three levels of award, adding to the incentive to take part in the scheme.

The DDA was originally drafted in haste in response to a spate of dog biting incidents in the late 1980’s, and it’s because this legislation was rushed through Parliament as a knee-jerk reaction that it was poorly drafted and these incidents continue to occur.  Another hasty decision will do nothing to address the real issues of responsible dog ownership, in order to protect the public.

Adding the Rottweiler to the DDA is likely to worsen the situation, as a minority are likely to take an unhealthy interest in another breed that is given the official label ‘Dangerous Dog’ as we have seen to be the case since the ban on Pitbull Terriers.

What is required is the proper training of dogs, coupled with the training and education of owners, and the general public as a whole.  Caroline adds: “We need governmental support in spreading the message, and this is why we continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police Service, Dogs Trust, and a leading dog law solicitor to re-evaluate and re-write the current dangerous dog legislation.”

The rewrite will update the DDA so the Police and local authorities can become involved earlier and so act preventatively – the DDA currently only applies after an incident has occurred and only when a dog attacks in a public place.  Thus, if a dog is displaying signs of undue aggression, be it in the home or a public place, they will be able to step in and take the necessary measures for the immediate safety of the public.  The issue of a type of anti-social behaviour order for owners is also being discussed.

She adds: “Our sympathies are with the families after what have been horrendous incidents.  As far as the dogs are concerned we would counsel a measured response rather than an immediate reaction.  The Kennel Club continues to work with the Metropolitan Police and others on the review of the Act while at the same time promoting the education of dog owners and children through both the Safe and Sound and Good Citizen Dog Schemes.  The importance of training and education cannot be overstressed and we are lobbying the government to consider financing for education of both dog owners and non dog owners alike. The Kennel Club schemes provide an excellent basis for this education but with government funding and support we could reach a far greater audience.”

The Kennel Club will be meeting within the Dangerous Dog Act Study group in the next few weeks to discuss this important welfare issue.

After this the Kennel Club will once again be approaching politicians with its findings and a plan to better protect the public from any dog, of any breed, in any environment.

Date page created:

Categories:

 

This article has been read 3104 times.