Bradford campaigners welcome 'Dogbo' orders proposal (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford campaigners welcome 'Dogbo' orders proposal

10:09am Wednesday 10th March 2010 in

By Kathie Griffiths »

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Campaigners in Bradford wanting to curb dangerous dogs have welcomed proposed Government changes that could see new ‘Dogbo’ orders unleashed on irresponsible owners.

Other measures which could be part of the revamped Dangerous Dogs Act include forcing every dog owner to take out third party insurance and to have their dog micro-chipped.

Ministers are also considering introducing New Dog Control Notices for misbehaving animals which would allow police officers and council officials to force miscreant owners to muzzle, leash or even neuter their pets.

In extreme cases the dogs could even be confiscated and given to new owners.

The proposals – aimed at tackling the growing problem of vicious animals being bred for use as weapons – are “better late than never” said campaigner Elizabeth Hellmich, of Bradford’s SAFE project, who was instrumental in getting more than 1,000 names on the Telegraph & Argus’s own Curb the Danger Dogs petition which was handed to the Government in 2006.

If changes happen it could also be a criminal offence for a dog owner to allow their animal to be “dangerously out of control”. At the moment they are only breaking the law if the dog is out of control in a public place.

There is also concern about the widespread use of dogs as weapons on inner city estates.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said: “Britain is a nation of animal lovers, but people have a fundamental right to feel safe on the streets and in their homes.”

That is a belief shared by Mrs Hellmich who today said she was happy at the talk of proposals but feared they were still “a little vague”.

She said: “I think it’s a good idea to have a public consultation on this because changes are much needed but the amendments must be clear and thorough.”

She would want to see an age limit imposed on owners of ‘status-symbol dogs’ such as Rottweilers, akitas, pit bull types and, in some cases, huskies.

Mrs Hellmich said: “I’d say 35 or 40 would be an accepted age that owners should be more responsible. I’d also like to see an age restriction on anyone walking those kind of dogs for owners.

“Compulsory micro-chipping to give a vital history trail would be invaluable, it’s too easy for dogs with a violent past to be passed on for re-housing to some poor un-suspecting family.”

The RSPCA has welcomed the Government’s decision to consult the public on its proposals. The charity said there was “a real need” for updated legislation to tackle the problem.

Claire Robinson, the RSPCA’s Government relations manager, said: “It is fantastic news that the Government has opened a genuine debate on the subject and given the public a chance to have their say on the best way to tackle the issue of dogs being used anti-socially.”

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, Bradford Council’s executive member for environment and culture, said: “Bradford Council would welcome any change in the law which encourages dog owners to take more responsibility for the behaviour of their pets and to make the law easier to enforce against irresponsible owners.”

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Comments(23)

Newswatcher says...
11:02am Wed 10 Mar 10

While I agree that dangerous dogs must be controlled these proposals will only target responsible owners.
My dog is a small mild mannered family pet (not a "dangerous" dog) and an important part of the family for my wife and I who are both retired.
The dog is always under control and has third party insurance.
Will the nusance owners take any notice of rules any more than they do car tax and insurance? I seriously doubt it.
To make any controls work would require a registration scheme which would once again only effect responsible owners.
Soft targets every time!