Flintshire MP wants more done to tackle dangerous dogs

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AN MP is calling for more to be done to tackle dangerous dogs.

On Tuesday, Delyn MP David Hanson, who is the Shadow Home Office Minister, called on the government to take new action on dangerous dogs in the wake of the deaths of seven adults and 10 children since 2005 due to out of control dogs.

In a move backed by the RSPCA, Battersea Dogs Home, The British Veterinary Association, the animal charity Blue Cross, the Communication Workers Union and the Association of Police Chief Constables, Mr Hanson wants to see tough new powers to tackle all aspects of dog-related crime come into force.

The new law would introduce Dog Control Notices which would give local authorities the ability to take action against people in charge of out of control dogs and take early action to stop problems before they happen.

Seventeen people have been killed in dog attacks since 2005 yet the government has so far resisted calls from campaigners to introduce Dog Control Notices – which have been used in Scotland since 2010 – to help protect children and communities from dangerous dogs.

Dog Control Notices have been used in Scotland since 2010 and were backed by the House of Commons Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs report “Dog Control and Welfare’’ which called the Government’s current proposals ‘simplistic’ and ‘woefully inadequate’ and recommended Dog Control Notices.

David Hanson MP, Labour shadow minister for policing, said: “The police, campaigners and experts have been clear that the government simply haven’t gone far enough to protect people from dangerous and out of control dogs.

“The changes we are introducing would mean that the tough laws that already apply in Scotland that have been so successful in helping stop these terrible attacks would be extended across the UK. This important power would mean the police and local authorities could take action at the first sign of problems rather than having to wait until a tragedy has already occurred.

“There is cross party support for these new powers so I hope the Government will accept our calls and ensure people have the protection they need.”