Proposed New Uk Regulations For Dogs

Hello

What thoughts have members about this ,are you like me and think that responsible owners will probably be the only people who will comply ,and so people who drive unlicensed ,uninsured cars will continue to do so and if they are dog owners will do likewise. Though do agree in principle with most ideas but we need more clarification , but the problem as normal will be enforcement.

Something needs to be done, but like you I don't think they will enforce it and if
they do what will the punishment be?

I presume this is the proposal to make all owners have insurance on their dogs in case they damage people or property. I would assume dog attacks are covered under most common house insurance policies anyway.
So technically it wouldn't be a problem for most homeowners who insure their property.
The problem will be where insurance companies will refuse to cover certain breeds of dogs under household policies as the risk of biting is deemed to be higher.
So really the people who would be affected by this are people in rented accommodation or council properties who do not buy their own insurance policies.
I genuinely believe that microchipping is very worthwhile though.Any way of making adog traceable can only be a good thing.
Sins

I think that it's interesting that the focus is on insurance, and what happened to the range of things being proposed and considered to change the Dangerous Dog Act.

What is happening with this that was in the news on the 28th February, is it still being proposed and considered?
"Now the Government wants competence tests before you can be a dog owner"
See news article at this link address.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1254356/Now-Government-want-competence-test-dog-owner.html

By the way, when are the elections scheduled this year?
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I agree that it will only be the responsible dog owners who will buy the insurance or have it included in their household insurance. The dead heads who don't care about dog welfare won't bother and just abandon the dog if need be. Nor will the low life who organise dog fights bother because the dogs will be kept 'underground'. So don't see the point. Again with microchipping, has a place but will only deal with a small part of the problem. There does need to some enforcement to stop the home based puppy farmers who just breed and breed the dogs for a bit of cash. These people are based within the communities that have a large proportion of the cross bred/staffi/pit bull types. I love the staffi breed and it sickens me that this great breed has been labled a problem breed. I'm for microchipping and muzzeling the idiots, but that's just me

Whatever is being proposed and considered for changes to the Dangerous Dog Act it will cost money to function. The Government wants the dog community to pay one way or another but the Government also needs to pay and more than what it has been. The Government mentioned Public Consultation and where I think they need help with what is being proposed and considered and where I think they are open to any Public Consultation suggestions that may help address the problems that are out there in the community. In the media there was mention of Yobbos or Yobs (an uncouth individual or thug) and who could use their dogs as weapons and could easily dodge the system.

Talking about low life people well here is a recent case where 3 got arrested and the following is from this link address.
http://www.west-midlands.police.uk/np/thornhillroad/newsitem.asp?id=838

West Midlands Police
26 February 2010
LOCAL OFFICERS AND RSPCA EXECUTE SUCCESSFUL DANGEROUS DOGS RAID

THREE people have been arrested and a number of dangerous dogs seized during a series of co-ordinated dawn raids across Birmingham today.

Local Officers from Lozells and Small Heath alongside specialist Dog Units and RSPCA uniformed inspectors carried out warrants simultaneously at addresses in the Lozells and Small Heath area.

Officers found three Pitbull terriers and a Staffordshire bull terrier along with a number of suspected fighting birds. Animal fighting paraphernalia and training equipment was also present at each of the three properties raided.

The dogs and birds are currently being looked after by the RSPCA where they are being monitored and checked by a vet.

Today's result was due to a coordinated effort from local officers and the RSPCA in a joint operation code-named 'Snape'.

PC John Marsh, a Dangerous Dog's Officer from West Midlands Police, said: "Today was a very positive result in which we have identified a number of dogs, some of which are banned because they pose a significant threat to members of the local community.

"Not only are these types of dogs a danger to others, but they are also vicious to each other and in fighting will not stop until they are completely incapacitated.

"We hope today's raids send a serious message to those breeding illegal animals or keeping dogs and birds with the intention of profiting from them fighting.

"We will work alongside the RSPCA to ensure that we stop this happening"

Chief Inspector Ian Briggs, of the RSPCA's special operations unit, added: "the co-ordinated raids followed information obtained by both organisations.

"Most people think that dog fighting went out with the dark ages but that simply isn't true. There are still people out there who delight in training dogs only to watch them rip each other to pieces for their own vile entertainment.

"While these people continue to pursue their sick hobby, the RSPCA will continue to pursue them.

"Today's raids proved hugely successful thanks to the cooperation between the RSPCA and West Midlands Police.

"Our thanks also go the public as the information from them means we were able to target the addresses as part of Operation Snape. It proves how vital the public is in the battle against dog fighting."

Anyone with further information is asked to contact the RSPCA's 24-hour cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999. All calls are treated in confidence.

Alternatively, you can contact your local officers on 0845 113 5000 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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**Posted by Nicki's husband**
Nicki and I were discussing this yesterday and I mentioned the fact that the compulsory insurance would provide a nice income for the government in IPT (Insurance Premium Tax) which is currently at 5%.
The Pet Food Manufacturers Association estimated that there were 8,000,000 dogs in the UK in 2009. Allowing for an average premium of £250, this would result in tax of £100,000,000. Obviously, I cannot be accurate as my calculations involve a degree of guesswork. Also, the 8,000,000 includes Scotland I believe, and at this stage the legislation does not include Scotland.
As already mentioned in other posts, this would be difficult to enforce. If one is out walking and one of these irresponsible owners allows their dog to attack you or your pet, can you really see them giving you their name, address and insurance details or hanging around until an already overworked police officer arrives?
Also, I wonder what impact this legislation would have on the number of stray dogs?

I appreciate that I have dealt only with the compulsory insurance and that there are other issues, but I can't help thinking that this is nonsensical and if I were cynical, a useful source of revenue for Government.

The people who use these dogs for protection and dog fights are not going to bother insuring their dogs. And who is there to enforce this? Are the police going to stop everybody with a dangerous dog and ask to see their insurance papers?