Petition Tag - dangerous dogs

Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA) 1991 means that it is illegal to own an American Pit Bull Terrier in the United Kingdom.

However, if the dog is not seen to be dangerous by the courts it can be returned to its owner if they can prove the owner is not using the dog for fighting, or has ill treated the dog.

The law at the moment does not allow harmless Pit bulls to be re-homed, and if the owner is not seemed fit to own the dog, the American Bull Terrier will be destroyed by lethal injection.

Most of these Pit bulls are family loving pets born into the wrong home.

Any breed of dog can become dangerous in the hands of the wrong owner, and most dogs ill treated, or in a bad environment, and even aggressive dogs can be rehabilitated and re-homed to the right owner

So why can't perfectly harmless Pit bulls find a loving home as well?

Please sign this petition if you agree that the U.K law should change, and that the American Pit bull can be re-homed if proven harmless and not destroyed.

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The Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG) is a wide-ranging group representing animal welfare, local authorities and veterinary professional organisations which includes representation from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association, Dogs Trust, the Kennel Club, The Mayhew Animal Home, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Wandsworth Borough Council and Wood Green Animal Shelters.

We consider that the Dangerous Dogs Act needs to be overhauled to better protect the public and that a new dog control regime that emphasises responsible dog ownership should be introduced.

The Lord Redesdale has tabled a Private Members Bill in Westminster which provides for the following

• Repeal of the Dogs Act 1871, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and the Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997 including breed specific legislation

The police expend significant resources on enforcement of the Dangerous Dogs Act in the UK, with large amounts of money being spent on the seizure and kennelling of dogs simply because of their breed type - many of these dogs are returned to their owners once proved to be of good temperament. Removing breed specific legislation would allow resources to be used more effectively elsewhere, and preferably concentrated on those dogs showing unprovoked aggression.

• Introduce Dog Control Notices

The vast majority of dog attacks are a result of the irresponsible actions of dog owners, who have either not taken the time and trouble to train their dog correctly, or have indeed trained them to behave aggressively. Dog Control Notices will apply to all types of dog that have acted dangerously without provocation, caused an injury to another animal, caused harm, or caused a person to reasonably believe it will cause harm and aims to prevent serious incidents of aggression occurring by allowing preventative action.

• Apply to both public AND private places

A large proportion of dog attacks occur in the home and involve a dog that is known to the victim. The Dog Control Bill will make attacks on private property a criminal offence. Greater responsibility is therefore placed on owners to ensure that their dogs are not out of control in any place.

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We have the right to go outside and be safe! however, irresponsible dog owners have meant that some have lost this right and have been injured or even killed as a result.

the dangerous dog act has clear failed to prevent dog attack as hospital treatment for dog related injuries have risen by 25% since its introduction. most likely because it puts all of the blame on the dog rather than owner.

so instead of banning breed, i want to ban bad owners and regulate behaviours. I want owners to have to pass dog suitability testing before they can a license to have a dog. Also I want all dogs to have to pass a behavioural test before they can be let off lead in public. any dog that fails the test will have to be get on lead in public and if the dog is proven to be aggressive to be muzzeled as well.

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