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Overwhelming Support For Deed Not Breed In Dangerous Dogs Consultation

Author: BVA
Posted: Thursday 25th November, 2010. 16:42:57

The government has published the results of the Defra consultation on dangerous dogs revealing overwhelming support for an overhaul of the failed Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

The consultation closed in June and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) submitted a joint response based on sound scientific evidence and expert veterinary opinion. The response called for an end to breed-specific legislation that targets dogs based on the way they look rather than their actions.

The BVA and BSAVA are delighted with the summary of the 4,250 responses published today that reveals:

- 88% of respondents do not believe that current legislation is effective in protecting the public;
- 71% believe that breed-specific legislation should be repealed;
- 84% are in favour of all dogs being microchipped.

Commenting, Harvey Locke, President of the BVA, said:

"There is enormous support amongst experts in dog health and welfare for an end to the failed breed-specific legislation.

"The Coalition Government's programme promised to take action on dangerous dogs and Ministers must now take on board the strong views from this consultation to implement changes.

"The problems caused by dangerous dogs impact on public safety and animal welfare and maintaining the status quo is not an option."

Grant Petrie, President of BSAVA, added:

"The problem of dangerous dogs will not be solved until the government accepts that the Dangerous Dogs Act has failed. This view is supported by the thousands of responses to the consultation.

"The support for repeal of the Act and for compulsory microchipping of dogs are clear and we look forward to hearing Defra's plans in the New Year."

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