Friday 18 May 2018

DDA/BSL Consultation Opens

EFRA Committee Information

An inquiry into the Dangerous Dogs Act and breed specific legislation is now open for written evidence.
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is launching an inquiry into the legislation on dangerous dogs.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was introduced to protect the public from dangerous dog attacks. The Act made it an offence to keep four types of dog traditionally bred for fighting - the pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Fila Brasileiro and Dogo Argentino - unless the dog was placed on the Index of Exempted Dogs and kept in compliance with certain requirements.
There has been substantial debate about the effectiveness of this legislation and the impacts on dog welfare. According to the RSPCA, 30 people died between 1991 and 2016 in dog-related incidents, of which 21 involved dogs of breeds/types not prohibited by the law. The number of attacks has also risen, with yearly hospital admissions for dog bites increasing by 76% between 2006-2016.
Neil Parish MP, Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, said:
“The Government is responsible for protecting the public from dangerous animals, so it is essential that laws evolve alongside our understanding of what works.
“The 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act banned four specific types of dog, but since then attacks have continued and 21 people have been killed by non-banned types.
 “My Committee will investigate whether the Government's current approach is having the desired effect, and whether any changes are needed to ensure that the public is properly protected and that animal welfare concerns are properly addressed”.  
Terms of reference
  1. How effective is the Government’s current approach to protecting the public from dangerous dog attacks?
  2. What changes, if any, should be made to the current approach and legislation?
  3. How can local authorities and police forces be best supported in reducing the number of dangerous dog-related incidents?
  4. What lessons could the UK learn from other countries dealing with similar issues?

Deadline for submissions


Written evidence should be submitted through the Committee’s web portal by midnight on Wednesday 6 June. It is recommended that all submitters familiarise themselves with the Guidance on giving evidence to a Select Committee of the House of Commons which outlines particulars of word count, format, document size, and content restrictions.

Wednesday 2 May 2018

DEFRA Consultation

Banning third party sales of pets in England: call for evidence.



Consultation description:

Defra are inviting evidence from all stakeholders and experts on the effect of introducing a ban on third party sales of puppies and kittens in England. 
This ban would mean that pet shops, pet dealers and other outlets and licensed sellers of puppies and kittens would be unable to sell these pets unless they themselves have bred them. 
DEFRA want to know:
  • whether the ban should be made
  • how the ban should apply
  • what specific measures might be adopted
  • what other issues should be considered
Presently, DEFRA  are seeking people to send them evidence which will specifically help them to understand the effect of introducing a ban, and any limitations of doing so. 
DEFRA do not want people to send in their wider opinions at this stage.

Ways to respond

Email to:

Write to:

Animal Welfare Team
Area 5B Nobel House
17 Smith Square,
London
SW1P 3JR