From Parliament.uk
"Dangerous dogs
MPs endorse the Government’s proposed amendment to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 making attacks on private land the same as attacks on public land. However, the Committee warns that police and prosecutors must distinguish between intruders and those lawfully on a person’s property when enforcing the law.
“The Government’s assurances on this are too vague; clear guidance is needed to avoid unintended consequences,” says Anne McIntosh.
MPs stress that an attack on an assistance animal, such as a guide dog, has severe impacts on the owner’s mobility and daily life. They call on Ministers to amend legislation so that a dog attack on an assistance animal is treated as an aggravated attack, in the same manner as an attack on a person. The police must also become more consistent in prosecuting the owners of dogs that attack livestock.
The Committee is also concerned about the provision under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 that currently bans certain types of dog, regardless of temperament, but excludes other aggressive breeds.
MPs call for changes in the legislation to give the Secretary of State powers to extend the banned list to include other dogs with particularly aggressive characteristics. At the same time, MPs want the Government to give those tasked to enforce legislation the discretion to neuter rather than destroy a banned animal where there is clear evidence that a particular dog poses no threat.
Dog breeding and welfare
The Committee criticises Government for doing too little to tackle poor breeding practices. Reliance on voluntary action has not delivered sufficient reform and the Advisory Council on Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding should be given a formal regulatory role to enforce standards.
MPs are especially concerned about poor welfare of puppies and dogs due to common breeding practices amongst ‘puppy farmers’ and some pedigree breeders.
The report calls for any breeder producing more than two litters per year to be licensed and subject to welfare checks.
Committee Chair Anne McIntosh adds:
“Although the dog breeding community has taken steps to improve the health and welfare of pedigree dogs, progress has been too slow. Many dogs continue to suffer ill-health due to inbreeding and breeding for exaggerated characteristics.
"The Kennel Club exerts great influence over the pedigree dog community. It should stop registering puppies from breeders not compliant with its own Assured Breeder Scheme. It should also commission an independent annual review of Breed Standards led by vets to eliminate health problems linked to breeding for exaggerated characteristics.”
Lastly, MPs call on websites advertising pets to develop a voluntary Code of Practice under which they check sellers’ credentials, do more to educate potential buyers and give buyers of unhealthy puppies the chance of redress."
