New Scottish law judges dogs on behaviour, not breed

Edinburgh - A law, which recently passed in Scotland, is designed to address the issue of dangerous dogs by judging animals on their behaviour, rather than their breed.

The Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act also gives local authorities more power to impose penalties on irresponsible owners. It was brought forward by Christine Grahame MSP, and passed unanimously by the Scottish Parliament in April 2010 after lobbying from Dogs Trust and the Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group. It came into force on February 26, 2011. Animal welfare organisations said theDangerous Dogs Act 1991, which banned specific breeds and types, unfairly targeted some dogs and was ineffective in dealing with those who were dangerous. “Dogs Trust greatly welcomes the introduction of this Act as it places a legislative focus on the deed, rather than the breed of dog and will quite rightly hold irresponsible dog owners to account," said Dogs Trust CEO Clarissa Baldwin. " However, it is vital that Local Authorities provide their officers with adequate training to ensure this Act is properly enforced." She said Scotland is leading the way on this issue and more needs to be done in the rest of the UK. "The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (DDA) was a knee jerk piece of legislation which has done little to protect the public and has had massive welfare implications for thousands of dogs who have been put to sleep simply because of their breed. Dogs Trust is continuing to lobby the Government to repeal and replace the current DDA and to introduce the compulsory microchipping of dogs.” In a news release, the Scottish government called the notices which can now be handed out "dog asbos." "What starts off as intimidating or antisocial behaviour can sometimes quickly turn into a potentially dangerous situation," said Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill in the release. "The aim of this act is to nip it in the bud at an early stage so that action can be taken against dog owners who allow their pets to become out of control. This is designed as a preventative regime and we don't expect thousands of dog control notices to be issued every week. "That said, irresponsible owners are being given a clear message today that their actions will not be tolerated and they now face consequences if they flout this new law." He said that a dog owner must be responsible for their animal at all times, including when it is inside their home. "The change to the Dangerous Dogs Act offence so a dog owner can be held criminally responsible where a dog is found to be dangerously out of control in any place is to be welcomed as this reinforces the need to be a responsible dog owner and control your dog at all times," he added. The Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group includes representatives from Dogs Trust, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association, the Kennel Club, the Metropolitan Police, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, RSPCA, Wandsworth Borough Council and Wood Green Animal Shelters.