Dangerous pet dogs focus 'should be on owners'

Wednesday, 10 March 2010 20:08

The RSPCA is calling for owners of pet dogs to be punishable for the irresponsible behaviour of their pets rather than tarnishing individual breeds for the behaviour of one or two animals.

Government proposals to update current legislation, including the Dangerous Dogs Act, come as a result of reports of gang use of dogs to intimidate communities and individuals.

Among the plans is one giving police and councils more power to tackle the rise in so-called status dogs in communities via the introduction of Dog Control Notices.

The RSPCA has long campaigned for changes to be made to British law making irresponsible owners liable for their dog's anti-social behaviour and pushing the need for better owner and dog training. The charity believes legislation needs to be updated to deal with the root cause of problems rather than the reactive nature of current laws.

Claire Robinson, RSPCA government relations manager said: "It needs to be remembered that dog welfare is not just about dangerous dogs."

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Posted by Chris