Animal Sentience Committee report - DDA

The Animal Sentience Committee (ASC) considers how central government policy decisions take account of animal welfare.

The Animal Sentience Committee has published their independent view on whether the government had all due regard to the welfare of animals as sentient beings in relation to the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Full Report – XL Bullies and the Dangerous Dogs Act:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-sentience-committee-xl-bullies-and-the-dangerous-dogs-act-report

The ASC has concluded the following:

The ASC understands that the Government was under substantial pressure to act on this issue. However, we concluded that, because of the lack of adequate data to provide a sound evidence base for this decision, policy makers were unable to fully understand the impact of the policy decision on the welfare of dogs when adding the XL Bully to Section 1 of the DDA.

Despite this, the direct welfare impacts of the DDA are clear. Paying due regard to the way this policy decision would impact on animal welfare would have meant taking every reasonable step to ensure that policies around risks from dogs have a robust evidence base – this goes beyond breed-specific legislation.

Failure to prevent the stagnation of the RDO Taskforce has left an evidence void at the heart of this legislation. The ASC recommends that this group be given a clear remit by government to ensure that the evidence requirements of this policy are fulfilled. This will help enable future policy considerations and decisions to be made in good time, preventing avoidable suffering to high-risk dogs, other animals and the public.

Looking forward, it is clear that some dogs are a danger to humans and other animals, and that policies will need to continue to prevent incidents, as far as possible. Some stakeholders suggested the unification of all dog control-related legislation in the UK into a single Act, coupled with a cultural shift in how dog control is viewed. The ASC believes this is worthy of consideration, particularly if it were to encompass the welfare of all animals. This includes companion animals other than service dogs, farmed and wild animals.

In the more immediate future, ensuring that comprehensive data and information around dog strikes and attacks are adequately obtained, recorded and analysed will help to enable policies, and their implementation, to pay due regard to animal welfare.

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (Amendment) Bill 2024 - 2026

 This is a Private Members Bill sponsored by Sir Christopher Chope MP (Conversative)

The official title text is as follows:

A Bill to provide that, before making any order to designate a type of dog for the purposes of section 1 or 2 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, the Secretary of State must carry out a public consultation and publish a comparative review of data showing the incidences of fatalities resulting from bites of dogs of that type in the last three years.

The 1^st reading in the House of Commons took place on the 21^st October 2024 and the second reading is set for the 27^th March 2026.

The Bill is asking that in future before making any order to designate a type of dog for the purposes of  section 1 or 2 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (before ‘banning’ another breed or type of dog - breed specific legislation) the Secretary of State must carry out a public consultation and publish a comparative review of data showing the incidences of fatalities resulting from bites of dogs of that type in the last three years.

Progress of the Bill can be followed online here - https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3854

Scotland - Deadline to apply online for Exemption Certificate:

XL Bully types - Scotland:

From 1st August 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully type without a certificate of exemption or having applied for one.

You can apply for a Certificate of Exemption online on GOV.UK until 31 July 2024.

The Scottish Government website advises the following:

Paper applications have now closed. If you've already applied and need to send us more documents, you can email them to xlbullydogenquiries@gov.scot. You can also still post them to:

XL Bully Dog Exemption Team
Room GW15
Scottish Government
St Andrew’s House
2 Regent Road
Edinburgh EH1 3DG

Processing times

We try to process applications within a few days, but it may sometimes take up to a few weeks. If you apply shortly before the closing date, you may not receive your Certificate of Exemption by 1 August 2024.

If this happens and the authorities ask to see your certificate, you can show them proof that you applied. This can be:

• an email confirming you submitted the online form
• proof that you posted a paper application
• proof that you paid the application fee

If you need help with your application

Email xlbullydogenquiries@gov.scot with:

• your full name
• your postcode
• the name of your dog

Scotland - Government XL Bully Reminder

 Deadline approaches for applications.

Scotland:

XL Bully dog owners are being reminded to apply for an exemption certificate before the deadline on 31 July 2024 so they can continue to legally own their dogs.

From 1 August 2024, it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate or not to have applied for one by that date.

What you need to apply for an exemption - XL Bully dogs in Scotland - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

To get an exemption certificate, owners can apply online or by post for a £92.40 fee, while they must also obtain third party insurance and neuter and microchip their dogs. The deadline for online applications is midnight 31 July. Postal applications must be received by 15 July.

Since 1 April, when the exemption application process to own an XL Bully dog opened, 761 dogs have been registered online with 7 postal applications also received.

In line with the initial safeguards introduced on 23 February, XL Bully dogs must continue to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public.

Bill's Second Reading - DDA Amendment

 Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (Amendment) Bill:

Sponsored by Sir Christopher Chope MP

A Bill to provide that, before making any order to designate a type of dog for the purposes of section 1 or 2 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, the Secretary of State must carry out a public consultation and publish a comparative review of data showing the incidences of fatalities resulting from bites of dogs of that type in the last three years.

The next stage for this Bill, Second reading, is scheduled to take place on Friday 22 March 2024.

This is a Private Members' Bill and was presented to Parliament on Monday 11 December 2023.

Scotland - Breed Specific Legislation Update

 XL Bully - New Law Coming Into Force:

New rules will come into force on 23 February 2024 - subject to approval by the Scottish Parliament.

It will be an offence in Scotland to:

- have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle

- breed or breed from an XL Bully dog

- sell an XL Bully dog

- abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray

- give away an XL Bully dog

It will be illegal to rehome, sell, buy, or transfer ownership of an XL Bully dog to another person. Rehoming organisations can not rehome XL Bully dogs.

The definition used for an XL Bully dog is the same as the UK Government. 

If you are not sure if a dog in your care is an XL Bully, use the DEFRA GOV guide to check if a dog is an XL Bully.  If you are still unsure about your dog after doing this, it is recommended that you should follow the rules in the guide as a precaution.

Exemption certificates from 31 July 2024:

From 31 July 2024 you must have an exemption certificate - or have applied for one - to own an XL Bully dog. 

Full details about the exemption certificate scheme including the start date, costs and how to apply will be announced soon - the Scottish Government has not yet announced how owners will be able to apply for a Certificate of Exemption.

Deadline to Apply to Exempt - Xl Bully Type Dogs Reminder

It is advised not to wait for any ongoing legal challenges - the application for a Judicial Review and we advise not to wait until last minute in case of any issues with your online application.

From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless your dog has a Certificate of Exemption.

NOON on 31st January 2024 is the deadline to submit the completed application online, to apply for a exemption certificate for an XL Bully type dog.

Apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You need your dog's microchip number-if you don't have that ask your vet to scan the dog for you.

If your dog is less than 8 weeks old when you apply for a Certificate of Exemption, you’ll have until 31 March 2024 to give the microchip number to Defra. Email the microchip number to dogsindex@defra.gov.uk or post it to the Dogs Index.

You need the 3rd party liability insurance cover in the same name as the person who will be applying for the exemption certificate. This is obtained by becoming a member of the Dogs Trust Companion Club, apply online on the Dogs Trust website. £25 per person per year, covers up to four dogs. Dogs Trust will email you confirmation and policy number and start date (date your payment clears).

You dog doesn't have to be neutered now to apply for the exemption certificate.

There is a one-off application fee of £92.40 per dog, this has to be paid first online-you will then be given a payment reference number which you use for your application:

Make a payment - Pay the application fee for a Certificate of Exemption for your XL Bully dog (payments.service.gov.uk)

DEFRA Photo:

XL Bully type - exemption applications

Keeping an XL Bully type dog:

Government guidance on checking if your dog is a XL Bully type

If after checking the guidance and photos you’re still not sure if your dog is an XL Bully, you should take a precautionary approach and apply for a Certificate of Exemption. This includes puppies that may grow up to be an XL Bully. You cannot use DNA test results to prove if your dog is a banned breed type. You must use the dog’s physical characteristics and appearance to work out if it’s an XL Bully dog.

All Xl Bully type dogs (all ages including puppies) have to be muzzled and leashed, with the lead held by someone over the age of 16yrs, in all public places, which includes inside a vehicle in a public place, this is a legal requirement which began on (and included) the 31^st December 2023, it applies regardless to whether the dog has been exempted during the transition period which ends at midday on 31^st January 2024. Help with muzzle training here.

If you are not sure whether your dog meets the criteria set out by the Government, it is recommended that you apply for exemption and follow the rules as a precautionary measure, to keep your dog safe.

Application closing dates are as follows, rescue and rehoming organisations have their own separate process and deadline date-details are on the Gov website.

If you apply for a Certificate of Exemption online you must complete and submit your application to DEFRA Dogs Index by midday on 31 January 2024.

If you apply by email or post, you must make sure Defra receives your application by 15 January 2024.

To get a Certificate of Exemption you will need:

* To pay the £92.40 fee for each dog, you need the payment reference number to proceed. The fee is not refundable.

* Third party public liability insurance cover for your dog is needed, this can be obtained via the Dogs Trust membership/companion club - £25 per year, in the name of the dog’s owner, it covers up to four dogs and is renewed each year to keep the exemption certificate valid. You will be given a policy number and start date (when your payment clears) from the Dogs Trust. Details to join are here.

* You must make sure your dog is fitted with a microchip and registered on a database - if you’re not sure if your dog is microchipped, you should ask your vet to scan your dog for you, you need your microchip number, details should be up to date on the microchip company database – ask your vet to scan your dog if you do not know your microchip number, contact the microchip company if you need to update the details held.

Dogs less than 8 weeks old - If your dog is less than 8 weeks old when you apply for a Certificate of Exemption, you’ll have until 31 March 2024 to give the microchip number to Defra. Email the microchip number to dogsindex@defra.gov.uk or post it to the Dogs Index Defra will send you a new Certificate of Exemption when you provide the microchip number.

Your dog does NOT have to be neutered to apply for an exemption certificate during the transition period – there are two deadline dates to neuter your dog by in order for your certificate of exemption to remain valid, these are:

* dog less than 1 year old on 31 January 2024 - it must be neutered by 31 December 2024

* dog older than 1 year old on 31 January 2024 - it must be neutered by 30 June 2024

A vet must confirm if your dog is already neutered:

Once your XL Bully dog has been neutered, you and your vet will need to fill in the confirmation of neutering form. Your vet should then return the form to Defra.

If your dog has already been neutered, you and your vet must fill in the confirmation of neutering form. The vet should return the form to Defra.

If the vet is unable to return the form, the owner of the dog can return it to Defra Dogs Index.

Apply for a certificate of exemption online here - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-certificate-of-exemption-to-keep-an-xl-bully-dog

XL Bully Type Rescue Dogs Update

Legal Update 12th January 2024:

XL Bullies in Rescues LIFELINE – IMPORTANT UPDATE

LAW CHANGE - 12th January 2024

Statutory Instrument 2024 No.33 (England and Wales)

This new SI, laid before Parliament yesterday, is allowing rescue and rehoming organisations (that existed before 1/11/23) to apply for a certificate of exemption for any XL Bully type dog in their care, which was not rehomed by 31st December 2023.

The dog must have been taken into the rehoming organisation’s care on or before 30 December 2023.

This SI amends the previous one which established an exemption scheme via which rescue and rehoming organisations can apply for a certificate of exemption for an XL Bully type dog/s in their care but only if the dog was taken into their care by 31st October 2023 – this has now CHANGED and a rescue and rehoming organisation can now apply for exemption for any XL Bully type dog in their care that they owed before 31st December 2023.

The application deadline has been extended to 22nd January 2024 – DEFRA needs to have received the application by then – please check the criteria on the DEFRA website:

https://www.gov.uk/.../apply-for-a-certificate-of...

The rescue and rehoming organisation must be established – carrying out rescue and rehoming activities on or before 31st October 2023 to apply.

30th December 2023:

URGENT UPDATE FROM CARLA Carla Lane Animals in Need Liverpool

FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION:

On 19 December DEFRA updated the guidance in relation to the XL bully ban, to include a restriction on rescues to the effect that any dogs who came into a rescue after 31 October 2023 would not be eligible for an exemption application via a rescue who wished to keep that dog instead of euthanizing where they were not rehomed.

The law has not been changed but we have been granted some further time for this specific issue to be considered fully by the Court, which means that dogs placed in rescues after 31 October are safe from destruction or seizure FOR NOW.

Late last night a High Court Judge ordered the following:

“No XL Bully dog may be seized from a Rehoming Organisation (‘RO’) as defined in SI 1407 (2023) (The Dangerous Dogs (Exemption Schemes and Miscellaneous Provisions (England and Wales) Order 2023 (‘the SI’) and/or destroyed for want of or ineligibility for a certification of exemption (as defined in the SI) on grounds that the dog was taken into the RO’s care after 31 October 2023 until the further Order of the Court.”

Note that this is a temporary injunction but nevertheless it gives breathing space for now.

There are various other serious and important matters to be heard by the Court in the near future, but for present purposes this ruling means that rescues now DO NOT AT THE MOMENT PENDING A FURTHER COURT DECISION have to destroy dogs who came into their care after 31 October 2023 on the grounds that it would not be possible for a rescue to apply for exemption of those dogs. We know that some rescues were sadly planning to do so today and whilst we do not yet have any detailed solution, we now have the benefit of some further time for the matter to be considered by the Court.

We appeal to all rescues, if you are able to do so, consider making plans to give the dogs who are not homed today the life they deserve in your care. At present those dogs that came in BEFORE 31ST OCTOBER ARE SAFE TO BE EXEMPTED BUT NO LONGER REHOMED. The XL bully ban has changed things for dogs of the UK In such numbers and at such a rapid rate that we must all work together to ensure that lifetime care by a committed rescue meets an exempted dog’s needs. For some dogs it will be their only option after today and in a way life in a rescue that has staff loving and caring for their residents day and night is not so different from dogs in a flat or home where someone goes to work or has no garden so has to walk them. Subject to the further decision of the Court, if we as rescues are indeed permitted to exempt any dogs we cannot home today, then we can all get our heads together and work hard to create a new more suitable living environment at our rescues for those special dogs, keeping them safe and loved for life. Also many rescues rely on volunteers to help out with providing company and mental stimulation and many who cannot have their own dog may find this therapeutic for themselves too.

It is recommended that if rescues do have dogs who they wish to exempt who were already in their care prior to 31 October, they begin making those applications from today when the current window for rescues to apply to exempt those dogs opened. Doing this now will allow further time in the future for any further exemption applications once the Court has had the opportunity to determine the issue as it relates to those dogs who came into rescue after 31 October.

As above, there are further crucial matters to be heard in more detail by the Court at a date in the near future but for now please take note of the above and stand by your dogs.

XL Bully type ban - new rules commenced:

From (and on) the 31st December 2023 it is now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange and abandon these dogs or let them stray.

XL Bully type dogs must now be kept on a lead and muzzled in all public places, including inside a vehicle if the vehicle is in a public place, the lead must be held by someone not less that 16yrs of age.

From 1st February 2024 all XL Bully dogs must be registered and exempted - there is now less than a month to meet the deadline when the ban comes into force on 1 February.

Owning an unregistered dog after this date will be a criminal offence, with owners who don’t facing a criminal record and an unlimited fine.

From 30 June 2024, XL Bully dogs over 1 year old must be neutered, this is extended until the 31 December 2024 for younger dogs.

XL Bully type ban - update

22nd December 2023: A court hearing took place before Mr Justice Lane: The King (on application of Licence Me Group) V Secretary of State for DEFRA. An Interim Injunction was applied for and was not granted. Permission for a Judicial Review hearing was granted and this is expected to follow in January.

Also:

19th December 2023: A further Statutory Instrument (new law) has been laid, it applies to England and Wales and part of it is in reference to XL Bully type dogs held by rescue and rehoming organisations

It can be viewed in full here - Statutory Instrument 1407 2023

DEFRA have said that rescue and rehoming organisations can apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog from 31 December. The dog must have been held on or before 31 October 2023 and applications must be sent by 15 January 2024.

Dogs obtained after 31 October 2023:

If an XL Bully dog was obtained after 31 October 2023, the rescue or rehoming organisation cannot apply for a Certificate of Exemption.

XL Bully Official Definition updated by DEFRA

The description issued has been updated and is now including a video from the Blue Cross demonstrating how to measure your dog is now included - 

Official definition of an XL Bully dog - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Applying to England and Wales - currently not Scotland and Northern Ireland although this may change in the future.

Height is an important factor: if your dog is smaller than the height specified in the Government’s definition then they are not an American Bully XL, and you don’t need to look at any other aspects in the definition. The height should be measured from the ground to the withers (which means the point of the body immediately behind the neck, at the top of the shoulders), not any higher point on the dog.  
The Government has defined an American XL Bully as: 

• Adult male from 20in (51 cm) at the withers 

• Adult female from 19in (48cm) at the withers 

The ban only applies to XL Bully dogs. There are other established breeds such as those recognised by the UK Kennel Club that may meet some of the characteristics of the XL Bully breed type. These are not within scope of the ban. 

A suspected XL Bully breed type does not need to fit the physical description perfectly. If your dog meets the minimum height measurements and a substantial number of the characteristics in the official definition, it could be considered an XL Bully breed type.

If you think your dog meets the minimum height measurements and has a substantial amount of the physical characteristics set out in the official definition, your dog may be in scope of the ban. This includes if it was not sold as an XL Bully.

Use the official definition of an XL Bully to check if your dog is an XL Bully. You’ll need to check the dog’s physical characteristics such as its size and height. It’s up to the owner or keeper to self-identify whether a dog may be an XL Bully.

Defra recommends taking a precautionary approach. If you’re not sure if your dog is an XL Bully, you should prepare for the ban on XL Bully dogs. This includes puppies that may grow up to be an XL Bully.

The ban only applies to XL Bully dogs. There are other established breeds, such as those recognised by the UK Kennel Club, that may meet some of the characteristics of the XL Bully breed type. These are not within scope of the ban.

A suspected XL Bully breed type does not need to fit the physical description perfectly. If your dog meets the minimum height measurements and a substantial number of the characteristics in the official definition, it could be considered an XL Bully breed type.

If you think your dog meets the minimum height measurements and has a substantial amount of the physical characteristics set out in the official definition, your dog may be in scope of the ban. This includes if it was not sold as an XL Bully.

Enforcement officers should use the PDF version of the official definition of an XL Bully dog. 

Photographs DEFRA: - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/655cb2e8544aea000dfb31ca/Official_definition_of_an_XL_Bully_dog__for_enforcement_officers_.pdf

Extension of Breed Specific Legislation

DEFRA:

Relating currently to England and Wales

These changes will come into force in 2 stages. Full info can be found on the Government website here
From 31 December 2023 it will be against the law to:

• sell an XL Bully dog

• abandon an XL Bully dog

• give away an XL Bully dog

• breed from an XL Bully dog

• have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle

From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales unless you have a Certificate of Exemption for your dog.
You will need to adhere to strict rules such as microchipping your dog and keeping it on a lead and muzzled when in public.

You will also need to neuter your dog. If your dog is less than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024.

If your dog is older than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 June 2024. We recommend that you arrange for your dog to be neutered as soon as possible to ensure that you meet these deadlines.

Check if your dog is an XL Bully dog

Use the Official definition of an XL Bully dog to identify if your dog may be an XL Bully. This involves checking the dog’s physical characteristics such as its size and height.

We recommend taking a precautionary approach. If you’re not sure if you have an XL Bully dog, you should comply with all new requirements for this dog type. This includes puppies that may grow up to be an XL Bully dog.

Keeping an XL Bully dog

If you want to keep your dog after the ban, you must apply for a Certificate of Exemption.

You will have until 31 January 2024 to apply for this exemption.

Applications will be subject to a £92.40 application fee, to cover administration costs.

To keep an XL Bully dog you must ensure it is:

• microchipped
• kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public
• kept in a secure place so it cannot escape

You will also need to neuter your dog. If your dog is less than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024. If your dog is older than one year old on 31 January 2024, it must be neutered by 30 June 2024. We recommend that you arrange for your dog to be neutered as soon as possible to ensure that you meet these deadlines.

As the owner, you must also:

• be over 16 years old
• take out insurance against your dog injuring other people - this is provided through Dogs Trust Membership
• be able to show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or a council dog warden, either at the time or within 5 days

Defra will provide more information on how to apply for an exemption for an XL Bully dog soon.

DEFRA Statement - American Bully XL Ban:

Announcement on 15th September from Government, as below:

On the back of a number of shocking ‘American XL Bully’ attacks, the Environment Secretary will urgently convene experts to define the ‘American XL bully’ breed type in the next week.

This is a vital first step towards adding it to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

This group will include police, canine and veterinary experts, and animal welfare stakeholders.

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey said:

Dog attacks are devastating for victims and their families and it is clear that more now needs to be done to stop them and protect the public. That is why we are taking decisive action to ban the American XL Bully.

This is on top of the work the Government has been doing for some time with the police and local authorities to encourage responsible dog ownership and make sure the full force of the law is being applied.

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, a definition of the ‘American XL Bully’ breed type needs to be specified – including clear assessment criteria for enforcement authorities – in order to impose a ban. The Government must then lay a Statutory Instrument to add it to the list of dogs banned under the Act. This will make it an offence to own, breed, gift or sell an XL bully. We will do this by the end of the year.

We need to safely manage the existing population of these dogs, therefore there will be a transition period. Further details on how the transition period will work will be provided in due course. Current XL Bully dog owners do not need to take any action at this stage however, if XL Bully owners do not come forward during the transition period, they will be committing a criminal offence if they are subsequently found to be keeping one of these dogs.

Owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control are already breaking the law, and we already have a full range of powers to apply penalties to them. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, people can be put in prison for up to 14 years, be disqualified from ownership or their dangerous dogs can be euthanised.

Further detail on next steps for developing a ban and information for owners will be provided in due course.

Government to ban American Bully XL

On the 10th September Suella Braverman, Home Secretary announced online that she had commissioned urgent advice on banning the American Bully XL. 

The on the 15th September Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declared that the American Bully XL will be banned by the end of the year - 2023.

DEFRA have said they will lay a Statutory Instrument to add the American XL Bully to the current list of dogs banned.

Breed specific legislation can be found within Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act which was first introduced in the UK back in 1991 and has been widely criticised as a complete failure. 

Currently four 'types' of dog are prohibited, with 'type' having a broader definition in law than 'breed'. Dogs are presently identified based mainly on their appearance (physical measurements and proportions) not on DNA, parentage on pedigree papers.

DEFRA have also said that there will be a transition period - Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss stated on the 16th Sept that the transition period, referred to as an 'amnesty' will require owners to register their dogs and take action including neutering and insurance, muzzle and leash in all public places. 

These are some of the requirements currently needed for dog registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs

Currently the law has NOT changed, it is planned to change and the Government is taking advice.

The details including how the American Bully XL will be defined - has not yet been made public.

It is recommended that owners take steps now to get ahead of what will be required:

Neuter your dog (record your dog's microchip details at the vets on your dogs record for proof of neutering at a later date if needed).

Obtain the 3rd party liability insurance cover now, by joining the Dogs Trust membership scheme, you will be covered as a benefit to membership - £25 per year per person (£12.50 if over 60yrs) covering up to 10 dogs. Details on their website here.

Buy a decent muzzle which allows your dog to pant and breath, begin muzzle training now, so that you have time for your dog to adjust to wearing a muzzle.

Make sure your dog is microchipped and the dog's microchip information is up to date on the database.

Over One Million Sign Petition to Home Office:

Over one million people have now signed the online Petition for Marshall and Millions - two dogs shot and killed by the Met Police in London (UK) on the 7th May 2023. 

Legal action is in process.

To view, sign and share the petition and updates - 

Petition · Hold the Met Police criminally accountable for the barbaric killing of two leashed dogs · Change.org

Government Petition for held dogs:

 

Create new requirements for dogs held under dangerous dogs legislation

Please Sign and Share the petition - https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/635704

Government will respond when 10,000 signatures are reached.

We want new legal requirements in relation to dogs that are being held under dangerous dogs law. 

Authorities should immediately notify owners if their dog is unwell, needs a vet, is dying or died. 

And no dog's body to be cremated or frozen without an owner’s consent, so they can seek a post mortem.

Currently there is no guidance from Government or specific legal requirements for owners to be informed when a dog - that is being held under dangerous dogs legislation - is sick, needs vet treatment or died. 

Owners can also struggle to get copies of vet and kennel records.

Further Calls for Urgent Action - Dog Law UK:

 

Wayne David calls for immediate UK Government action on dangerous dogs legislation:

Wayne David, Labour MP for Caerphilly, has today called for the UK Government to take “immediate action” on dangerous dogs.

Mr David was speaking at a webinar organised by the London based Public Policy Exchange. The event was attended by experts from local government, academia, the civil service and animal welfare organisations.

Mr David said, “Given the fatalities and the number of serious attacks by dangerous dogs, it is now imperative that the UK Government take meaningful action. I have raised the issue with the Prime Minister on the floor of the House of Commons, and he has stated that the Government will be considering recommendations from an expert working group “later in the year”. This is not good enough. There have been many debates and discussions, there have been academic papers commissioned and published, and there has been extensive consultation. Now is the time for action.

“There is, I believe, an emerging consensus among politicians of all parties, that there needs to be a new approach to the issue of dangerous dogs. There is now a need to go beyond breed specific legislation and, instead, adopt a far reaching and comprehensive approach that places responsibilities on dog owners and which recognises that ‘all’ dogs should be included in future legislation.”

Welfare of Seized Dogs

 

Appoint an Independent Team to oversee the welfare of dogs seized by Police - Please sign and share the Petition

Debbie Connolly is an experienced behaviourist & expert witness assessor for Dangerous Dogs Act cases and started this petition:

Dogs seized by Police are held in kennels whilst cases are investigated. Owners cannot be told where these kennels are located.  I am an expert witness, I assess dogs involved in bite incidents.  Some forces allow us to see the dog at the holding kennels, many forces do not or have changed their policies to prevent us visiting dogs in kennels.

I have personally made complaints to Police and RSPCA regarding unsuitable conditions, there are many incidents in the papers where dogs have died during seizure or gone home in a very poor state.  These have not made much difference.

I wrote a charter to improve the seized dog process, starting with leaving contact details with the owner and particularly allowing experts to assess all dogs at the kennels. The big names in the dog industry, Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, Battersea, Kennel Club etc do not wish to support this and wish to carry on with their work.  Whilst they do this, after years of them achieving no change, dogs are suffering. I intend to bring this change now.

Only the allowing of experts into kennels and the appointing of an independent inspection team can change the welfare state of seized dogs. 

Please sign and share https://www.change.org/welfareofseizeddogs

Petition to replace DDA/BSL with new legislation:

 Signatures Needed for the current and latest Government e-Petition which is open for signatures until April 2023. 

At 10,000 signatures the Government will give a written response and at 100,000 signatures, if reached, the Government will consider a debate in Parliament, raising awareness and keeping the pressure on for smarter dog law.

Sign Here - https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/624876

The Petition reads as below:

Repeal the current Dangerous Dogs Act and replace with new framework

We want the Government to repeal the Dangerous Dogs Act and replace it with legislation that focuses on early intervention to prevent dog bites and tackle dog-related issues regardless of breed or type, based solely on their behaviour

The Government commissioned a steering group to provide advice on policies aimed at reducing dog attacks and promoting responsible ownership of dogs. However, their report is not due until next year.

In view of shocking and tragic events that continue to result from the current legislation, urgent action is required NOW, in the interest of public safety and the welfare of dogs. Organisations involved in the Government's steering group oppose Breed Specific Legislation and agree breed is not a prediction of aggressive behaviour. We believe the current legislation is enabling more fatalities and failing to prevent the dog attack trend. It needs repeal immediately.