We are all deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a woman's life this week due to a dog attack. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family.
At this time, we are refraining from further comment on this specific incident, as it would be inappropriate to do so when we do not know the circumstances or the history of the dogs involved.
However, it is evident that there has been an alarming increase in dog attacks involving various breeds, occurring almost daily. Just yesterday, a dog was shot in public after attacking two people. There has been a 60% rise in dog attacks over the last 5 years.
This situation highlights a critical issue: current legislation regarding dog ownership is inadequate and needs urgent reform to prevent such tragedies. Experience from other countries demonstrates that licensing can be an effective measure. Therefore, it is imperative that the UK adopts a stringent approach to dog ownership regulation. Breeding practices must be strictly controlled to ensure that dogs are healthy and well-tempered. Potential dog owners should be licensed to ensure they are capable of providing responsible care. Campaigns and programs should be implemented to educate owners about responsible dog care. Adequate resources must be allocated to enforce these laws effectively, and all dog bites and related incidents should be systematically recorded to monitor and address patterns of aggressive behaviour.
Breed-specific bans are not an effective solution to preventing dog attacks. The government's reactionary measures have not addressed the underlying issues. We need a more comprehensive approach to ensure the safety of both the public and dogs.
There are over 58,000 dogs registered via the XL Bully exemption process and we do not believe there to be 58,000 inherently dangerous dogs, which is why we are challenging the government's decision to ban the XL bully via a Judicial Review. However, we fully recognise the need to enhance dog ownership standards for everyone and safeguard public safety and animal welfare through a robust licensing system.
We urge the government to focus on long-term solutions that emphasise regulation, education, and responsible ownership. Only through these means can we hope to reduce the frequency of such heartbreaking incidents.