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Posted: 15th February 2013

MPs plan to tackle dog welfare and control
Vets welcome report but warn breed bans are not the answer

 A cross-party committee of MPs have criticised the government's inaction over issues relating to dog welfare and control, echoing the concerns of veterinary associations.

In a bid to address these issues the committee have called for a range of measures to be put in place to address problems such as dangerous dogs and the welfare issues surrounding dog breeding. Whilst the news has been welcomed by veterinary associations, many have warned that the committee's call to ban more types and breeds of dogs will do nothing to solve the problem of dangerous dogs.

"Whilst the committee's report champions the principle of deed not breed we are concerned by the suggestion that the Secretary of State should be able to ban more breeds of types of dog," said BVA president Peter Jones. "Breed specific legislation has failed in the UK. Adding more breeds will only criminalise more innocent dogs without educating the public about responsible ownership."

The consolidation of legislation relating to dangerous dogs however, has been generally welcomed by the BVA and BSAVA, who spoke of their support for "a more preventative approach." BSAVA president Mark Johnston referred to the current breed specific legislation as "outdated", and advocated the use of Dog Control Notices.

He added: "We welcome the committee's call for legislation to be extended to cover dog attacks on assistance dogs but we still believe this should go further. Sadly the results of attacks by out of control dogs on other dogs and cats are seen too often in our surgeries and they should be afforded some protection under the law."

Other measures called for in the report include a reduction in the threshold for licensing breeders to two litters per year, which it is hoped Defra will act on in the near future. Mr Jones also expressed his support for publicising puppy contracts, which he hopes will become "the norm for everyone thinking of buying a puppy."

Mr Johnston welcomed the suggestion of an annual independent review of breed standards, to be led by the veterinary profession, saying: "By focusing on fitness and function of the show dogs we hope to improve all pedigree dogs' potential for a long and healthy life." It is also hoped that data gathered from insurance companies will be a key tool in further understanding dog health.

The report marks an achievement for the two veterinary associations, who suggested many of the measures included in the committee's report. Commenting on this Mr Jones said: "We are very pleased that the committee has taken on board so much of our evidence."

Click here for further information on the report.



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