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Posted: 9th May 2013

Queen's Speech covers dog law changes
Amendments 'don't go far enough', says charities

Welfare organisations have welcomed commitments in the Queen's Speech that dangerous dog law will be improved, yet voiced concerns over certain proposals.

The Queen announced that steps to improve the Dangerous Dogs Act will be made in the upcoming legislative year and outlined the amendments.

Under the changes, it will become an offence for a dog to be dangerously out of control in any any place, including on all private property.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club have each stated that they will continue to lobby for further improvements to legislation.

"Whilst we welcome today's amendments to the Dangerous Dogs Act, we're concerned they don't go far enough," explained Claire Horton, Battersea's chief executive.

"We should be tackling the underlying reasons why a minority of irresponsible owners allow their dogs to become dangerously out of control and a threat to society."

Dogs Trust, meanwhile, released a statement that said attacks to unlawful visitors on private property needs to be considered and that there is a "lack of clarity" about what preventative measures will be contained in the guidance of the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill.

Reiterating these points, Kennel Club Secretary Caroline Kisko commented: "The introduction of measures such as penalties for keepers of dogs who allow them to harm lawful visitors to their home is a positive step.

"At the same time though, the Kennel Club does not wish to see such protection extended to anyone involved in unlawful activity."

Both Battersea and the Kennel Club met with Lord de Mauley, minister for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), along with shadow ministers, UK-wide MPs and London Assembley members on the day of the speech.

At the meeting, a special video screening took place of Battersea's new film Bully Breed, aimed to deliver a wake up call to young people who choose to train dogs to be aggressive.

The charity announced that it is also working with people aged between 13 and 24 to better understand attitudes towards so-called "status" dogs.

This includes visits to youth groups, young offenders institutes and prisons.

"Much more emphasis needs to be given to early prevention," continued Claire.

"Let's go back a few steps and help influence the young dog owners of the future to not want to treat dogs as a weapon and a disposable commodity."



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