MPs battle for tighter rules on danger dogs

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http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/n ... 4519792.jp

MPS have vowed to launch a fresh parliamentary campaign to force the Government to step up the law on dangerous dogs.
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh will back a private bill to protect people who get mauled on private property.

Speaking during a fringe meeting at the Labour Party conference, Ms Creagh said a horrifying attack last year, when 13-month Archie-Lee Hirst was snatched from the arms of his young aunt and mauled to death by a rottweiler, proved the Government must act.

The 10-stone pet dog killed Archie-Lee at his grandparents' home in Chald Lane off Westgate, near Wakefield city centre.

She told the meeting in Manchester that the Dangerous Dog Act 1991 was inadequate.

"What we had with Archie-Lee Hirst was a 10st dog with the brain the size of a walnut controlling its massive amount of muscle.

"What we have had every single year since I can remember is one or two children being savaged to death by rottweilers. I think we have a problem with these dogs.

"That rottweiler had not been walked for five months. It had been sat out in the yard.

"What do we do to ensure that these hugely powerful dogs are not left alone with small children?"

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was drawn up after six-year-old Bradford girl Rukhsana Khan was mauled – and almost killed – by a pit bull terrier dog early that year.

Critics say the act – which only outlaws four breeds: pit bull terriers, Japanese tosas, the Dogo Argentinos, and the Fila Brasileiros – is not far reaching enough.

They argue that many other large dogs, such as rottweilers, should face tough legislation, such as being muzzled.

And many have also called for the law to protect people who are on private property.

Earlier this year, the Government rejected calls to beef up the law on dangerous dogs, opting to publish an information leaflet for dog owners instead.

Animal welfare minister Jonathan Shaw said current laws were "robust" but blamed the police for not making full use of their powers.

Ms Creagh told the fringe meeting that it should be up to local authorities – and not the police – to carry out the enforcement.

She pledged to support a ten minute rule which will be tabled in Parliament by Sheffield Hillsborough MP Angela Smith.

The bill will also extend protection to people like postmen, GPs, midwives, community nurses and social workers who have to carry out home visits.

The bill stands no chance of becoming law but it will put more pressure on ministers if it secures widespread cross-party backing.

The full article contains 445 words and appears in EP Leeds First & County newspaper.