Ennvironment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Written evidence submitted by Staffordshire Bull Terrier Welfare

Whilst there is an urgent need for alterations to the existing 1991 DD Act, we would submit that, the act is generally recognised that it has not worked in it’s present, (and never has) from its conception. It would seem that the Breed Specific clause has generated more and worse types of dog onto the street. Therefore, our suggestion is that that clause be removed from the act, and that the onus of dog attack be placed upon the owners or breeders of such dangerous dogs, and such punishments should be made far more severe. Blame the owner/breeder, not the breed.

We do feel that that a system of microchipping needs to be nationally set up, to enforce the breeder of any unwanted or dumped animals to be traceable, and made responsible for it. Most of the overbreeding of dogs is down to “backstreet breeders” breeding litters purely for the income it provides, in general, tax free. The suggestion is that persons wanting a litter should apply for a licence to breed, and microchip all puppies, hopefully that would remove those not interested in improving the breed of dog, A licence application is in operation for the breeding of farm stock, so why not dogs? Hopefully, that might result in more responsible breeders could produce better livestock than is being dumped on the streets today, and far less being used a status symbols, only to be thrown out when the owner is tired of a pet.

April 2013