Letter: Vexed question of dangerous dogs

Sir: I write to applaud the article on the Dangerous Dogs Act (26 October). Marina Cleland, the dog owner in your article, clearly acted in the spirit of the law by seeking advice from the appropriate authorities on what to do with her dog. Cases like hers illustrate the RSPCA's view that magistrates should be given discretion to allow owners of a dog ruled to be an American pit-bull terrier type to keep their pet and order late registration to comply with the law. Perhaps an amnesty allowing late registration would ease the current vexed situation.

Yours faithfully,

PETER DAVIES

Director General

RSPCA

West Sussex

26 October