The media recently carried reports about the Government’s lack of action over dangerous dogs. Apparently, they missed their deadline to crack down on them despite figures showing a huge increase in attacks in London. (Evening Standard, 28 March 2012).
The number of maulings has grown by 79% in five years and by 43% nationally which is thought to be led by the craze for “status dogs” trained for aggression and fighting. In 10 months last year 456 people were taken to London hospitals and the Met Police are spending £2m a year kennelling dogs.
Jim Paice is the animal welfare minister. Pit bulls, Japanese Tosa, dogo argentine and fila Brazilia are banned. Critics argue that the law fails to focus on dangerous owners.
Meanwhile, at a local level the authorities are acting. Various London Boroughs have – or have tried to – introduce regulations to restrict the number of dogs walked by a person to four. Boroughs that have introduced the regulations merely displace those with many dogs to neighbouring boroughs.
Many respectable multi-dog owners and trained and insured dog care organisations (such as those that walk my dog Alfie) are likely to be adversely affected by such rules – and these are often amongst the most responsible dog owners.
No one wants to be exposed to dangerous dogs – whether they are solitary dogs or in a group. So when will the Government deal with the real issue rather than impose pointless rules on everyone else?
As the well-known saying goes: “There are no bad dogs, only bad owners”.
Take action?
Write to the Government or to your own MP.
There is currently an e-petition for London Borough of Richmond where the number of dogs you can walk issue is being debated at present – if you want your views heard:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/set-the-dog-limit-at-six
