New dangerous dogs legislation does not go far enough, say MPs
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Government's moves to tackle irresponsible dog ownership do not go far enough, a committee of MPs has warned.
Ministers have announced plans to close a loophole which allowed owners of dogs to escape prosecution if the animal attacked someone in a private property.
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee backed that measure but said the plans fell short of creating a "comprehensive and effective regime for tackling the increasing problem of out-of-control dogs".
The committee's Tory chairwoman Anne McIntosh said: "Eight people, including six children, have died as a result of dog attacks since 2007; annual costs to the NHS of treating dog attack injuries are around £3 million; and some eight assistance dogs and hundreds of livestock are attacked each month."
The Government will legislate to strengthen the law in the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill, but the committee had examined earlier draft proposals and Ms McIntosh called for ministers to amend the Bill to address their concerns.
She said: "The draft Bill's proposals are welcome, but are limited in scope and far short of providing a comprehensive and effective regime for tackling the increasing problem of out-of-control dogs.
"Strong measures to prevent dog attacks are conspicuously absent - in particular targeted Dog Control Notices. The Government must bring together the disparate dog control and breeding legislation into a single, comprehensive Act."
But she said the cross-party committee backed the move to close the "gaping hole in the current law" making it impossible to bring criminal charges against an owner whose dog attacks someone in a private home.
"We welcome the proposal to enable action to be taken regardless of where a dog attack happens," she said.
"We also welcome the protection from prosecution given to someone whose dog attacks a trespasser in a home. This must apply whether or not the dog's owner or their family are present at the time of the attack. Householders need to know they can leave their dog at home without fear of committing an offence should their dog attack an intruder."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments