Top news stories for Muswell Hill, Tottenham, Crouch End and Wood Green - Haringey Independent

The Government has launched a consultation
to amend the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act.

The current Act bans ownership of four types of dog, (Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Fila Brasileiro and Dogo Argentino)

The consultation to amend the current legislations comes as dog attacks are reported to be on the increase, with more than 100 people being admitted to hospital every week following dog attacks. There is also a reported rise in illegal ownership,
particularly with gangs using dogs as ‘weapons’, and a rise in reports of dog fighting.

The consultation has been launched by the Home Office and the Department for environment, food and rural affairs (Defra) and they want to hear from victims of dog attacks, animal welfare organisations, dog owners, and anyone else concerned about dangerous dogs.

The consultation has been welcomed by many groups, with the Dogs Trust saying: "It has been apparent for many years that the existing Dangerous Dogs Act doesn't work and that it urgently needs revising to help protect the general public, and dog welfare"

We believe the following things need to be addressed:

• Firmer punishments for those who violate the law
• Tackling irresponsible ownership
• An end to the use of dogs as ‘weapons’
• An end to the cruelty towards these dogs

What do you think?

Contact us at dangerousdogs@london.newsquest.co.uk to tell us your thoughts on the current legislation, and what you think could be done.

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