Allpets Veterinary Clinic
7 Sidmouth Parade, Sidmouth Road, London, London, NW2 5HG United Kingdom
Tel: 0208 459 3010
Website: http://www.bva.co.uk
Posted: Tuesday 9th March, 2010
Vets have welcomed the Government consultation on reforming dangerous dogs legislation but called on politicians not to let the issue become a political football during the forthcoming election campaign.
Responding to the announcement by the Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs that Defra will consult the public on reform of the legislation and compulsory microchipping, Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA, said:
“The BVA has been lobbying the Government and Opposition hard for a change in dangerous dogs legislation and so we are delighted that the Government is now considering reforming the hugely unpopular and ineffective Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
“The BVA believes very strongly in the principle of deed not breed – targeting dogs for their actions, not what they look like – and we hope to see new legislation that tackles the actions of irresponsible pet owners that can cause dogs to become aggressive.
“We therefore support the concept of control notices, which is being pursued in Scotland through the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Bill, and the proposal for compulsory microchipping to ensure all dogs can be identified.
“However, the failure of the 1991 Act is rooted in the fact that it was drafted in a highly political knee-jerk response to a number of incidents. Politicians should learn from these mistakes and resist using the issue as a political football during the General Election campaign.
“The welfare charities, vets and Kennel Club have reached consensus on the need for the law to change and politicians of all parties should aim to agree the way forward.”
The issue was raised by Professor Reilly at the BVA’s annual London dinner, attended by Defra Minister Lord Davies of Oldham, on 16 February. Prof Reilly said:
“The problems caused by dangerous dogs will never be solved until dog owners appreciate that they are responsible for the actions of their animals. Rather than singling out individual breeds the BVA strongly believes in targeting individual aggressive dogs.
“With concern about weapon dogs rising and a new Parliament on the horizon looking for fresh ideas, the time is surely right for it to be at the top of the political agenda.”
This article has been viewed 4549 times.
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Allpets Veterinary Clinic
7 Sidmouth Parade, Sidmouth Road, London, London, NW2 5HG United Kingdom
Tel: 0208 459 3010
7 Sidmouth Parade, Sidmouth Road, London, London, NW2 5HG United Kingdom
Tel: 0208 459 3010
Vets warn against dangerous dogs issue becoming party political
Author: BVAWebsite: http://www.bva.co.uk
Posted: Tuesday 9th March, 2010
Vets have welcomed the Government consultation on reforming dangerous dogs legislation but called on politicians not to let the issue become a political football during the forthcoming election campaign.
Responding to the announcement by the Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs that Defra will consult the public on reform of the legislation and compulsory microchipping, Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA, said:
“The BVA has been lobbying the Government and Opposition hard for a change in dangerous dogs legislation and so we are delighted that the Government is now considering reforming the hugely unpopular and ineffective Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
“The BVA believes very strongly in the principle of deed not breed – targeting dogs for their actions, not what they look like – and we hope to see new legislation that tackles the actions of irresponsible pet owners that can cause dogs to become aggressive.
“We therefore support the concept of control notices, which is being pursued in Scotland through the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Bill, and the proposal for compulsory microchipping to ensure all dogs can be identified.
“However, the failure of the 1991 Act is rooted in the fact that it was drafted in a highly political knee-jerk response to a number of incidents. Politicians should learn from these mistakes and resist using the issue as a political football during the General Election campaign.
“The welfare charities, vets and Kennel Club have reached consensus on the need for the law to change and politicians of all parties should aim to agree the way forward.”
The issue was raised by Professor Reilly at the BVA’s annual London dinner, attended by Defra Minister Lord Davies of Oldham, on 16 February. Prof Reilly said:
“The problems caused by dangerous dogs will never be solved until dog owners appreciate that they are responsible for the actions of their animals. Rather than singling out individual breeds the BVA strongly believes in targeting individual aggressive dogs.
“With concern about weapon dogs rising and a new Parliament on the horizon looking for fresh ideas, the time is surely right for it to be at the top of the political agenda.”
This article has been viewed 4549 times.
Other news from BVA
Veterinary associations response to BBC Panorama It shouldnt happen at a vets
Vets warn dog owners about dangers of artificial sweetners
Best of care for pet ferrets
Volcanic ash: Vets issue advice to pet owners
No need for panic over rabies threat, say vets
Pet owners remember to protect your pets before the summer holidays
BVA and BSAVA welcome Scotland's move to control dangerous dogs
Ornamental fish keeping
Vets warn of festive hazards for pets
Animal welfare organisations promote guidance on buying a new dog
BVA kicks off campaign on written contracts of employment
Keeping Pet Goats
World Veterinary Day 2009 - Veterinarians and Livestock Farmers: A Winning Partnership
Vets warn of dangers to human and animal health – PETS or pests?
Canine Health Schemes Review
Protecting the travelling pet
The Health and Welfare of Dogs
Pets and Poisons - Keeping your animals safe
Practical Guide to Caring for your Pet Ferret
The Animal Welfare Act - Pet Owners Duty to Care
Top
Allpets Veterinary Clinic
7 Sidmouth Parade, Sidmouth Road, London, London, NW2 5HG United Kingdom
Tel: 0208 459 3010
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