CABTSG Policy Statement: Dangerous Dogs Legislation

The vast majority of dogs are kept responsibly and pose no threat to society, but there are cases in which a dog can become aggressive. The threat this poses is often a reflection of the responsibility of the owner. A dog with a known aggression problem need not represent a danger to anyone if it is appropriately managed. 

It is essential that legislation is just, relevant and effective, so that it protects the public from the real risk posed by those unusual individual dangerous dogs, without creating a climate in which normal dog ownership is jeopardised.

Any breed or cross breed of dog has the potential to become aggressive and dangerous if they are not cared for, or managed, appropriately. Breed specific legislation does not reflect this. Not only does it burden the owners of certain breeds of dog with additional responsibility, but it also fails to provide increased protection for the public. It also leads to a feeling of false complacency for owners of other breeds. 

Dangerous dogs legislation needs to treat all dog owners equally. Any prosecution should deal specifically with the incident without prejudice to the type of dog involved. Subsequent punishment should be aimed at the owner or person controlling the animal and should be clearly separated from the controls imposed to make the dog safe. Measures such as castration, muzzling, behavioural rehabilitation or euthanasia should be specified according to a proper assessment of risk rather than as additional ‘punishments’. The courts must therefore have available to them a number of suitable courses of action when dealing with cases involving dangerous and aggressive dogs and these must reflect the nature of the incident and the responsibility of the owner.

The government and the courts need good legislation to help them deal with a minority of dangerous dogs and irresponsible dog owners and this legislation can only be effective if it responds to the act committed and not to the breed or type of dog. In addition to legislation, to deal with the crimes once they have been committed, it is also important to provide education for the public and for those involved in the breeding and rearing

August 2001