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Head of BVA Calls for New Dangerous Dogs Approach

Thu, 18 Feb 2010

Vets have called for the dog Asbos currently under consideration in Scotland to be introduced throughout the UK. Professor Bill Reilly, President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), has denounced the current controls as inadequate, claiming they fail to protect people from aggressive dogs .

Rather than outlawing entire dog breeds such as pit bull terriers, Professor Bill Reilly called for a new approach, targeting individual aggressive dogs in the same way that Anti-Social Behaviour Orders are given to individuals. Pet owners whose animals are shown to be aggressive could be ordered to control their dog by keeping it on a leash, having the dog neutered, using muzzles of even heavily fined.

The prevalence of ‘weapon dogs’ has coincided with a rise in attacks, with high profile instances of pets attacking children. However, Professor Reilly believes the new powers would force owners to take responsibility. At the recent BVA dinner, where ministers were present, Prof Reilly called for a change in attitude to tackle aggressive dogs by ‘deed not breed’.

Prof Reilly also voiced his support for the idea of puppy contracts, first suggested by a television documentary. The contracts would alert owners to the risk of genetic disorders.
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