Ennvironment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Written evidence submitted by Mrs Joanne King

I am writing with great concern about the new amendments to the current dogs act; I feel yet again the criminals are being protected whilst responsible dog owners again become penalised.

The new law is now stretched to private property giving burglars the powers to sue if they are bitten when breaking and entering. Not only will more and more people dump their dogs through this law through sheer panic of someone breaking in their property and their dog biting, you are shouting to the world that crime does actually pay, which is ridiculous.

I own two dogs. I have signs to warn people they are loose on my property. Should someone come in when invited my dogs are put away in their crates for their safety. If i go out or I am in bed and someone breaks in then I expect they would protect their family. This new law stinks as it will be me going to prison not the actual criminals. If someone broke into your house would you hold the door open for them whilst they walk through with your items that you have worked hard to get? I certainly wouldn’t.

Would you expect your dog to sit and give its paw to the intruders whilst you’re asleep in your bed and they are coming upstairs to where your children sleep? I certainly wouldn’t.

April 2013