News

The House of Lords has given its full backing to the Dog Control Bill, which The Blue Cross has been supporting as a replacement for the failing Dangerous Dogs Act.

The debate on new dangerous dog laws will now continue in the House of Commons as the Bill moves on through the parliamentary process.  

The Blue Cross is supporting Lord Redesdale’s Bill as part of The Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG). The Bill proposes the introduction of measures including Dog Control Notices and extending laws to cover both public and private places, to tackle dangerous behaviour in dogs before attacks happen and make owners take responsibility for their pets.

DDASG represents animal welfare groups, local authorities and veterinary professional organisations which include Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, The Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association, Dogs Trust, the Kennel Club, Mayhew Animal Home, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Wandsworth Borough Council and Wood Green Animal Shelters.

Following the success of the Third Reading of the Bill, Lord Redesdale commented: “I am delighted to have been part of this movement to push for the revision of existing dangerous dogs legislation. 

"By introducing preventative measures, such as dog control orders, problem behaviour can be addressed before more serious incidents take place. This will go a long way towards protecting the public and ensuring responsible dog ownership for the benefit of all.“

In support of the Bill, DDASG launched a petition which has now received over 10,000 signatures. The petition can be found here.