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01777 - 473390 or 07592 - 673330
Breed Specific Legislation
The UK has ‘breed specific legislation’ within section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act which was introduced in 1991 (Northern Ireland has its own version) and amended in 1997, it sets out four types of dogs which are prohibited in England, Wales and Scotland. Blitz was found to be included in this section and as such was seized and detained for 1768 days (almost 5 years).
BSL severely impacts on dogs and their families for no more reason than they measure up to and significantly look like a type of dog. I agree with many others that no dogs are born dangerous and instead of focusing on certain breeds or types the responsibility should be placed on the owners and breeders to ensure their dogs are well cared for and correctly socialised as friendly animals to ensure the safety of society.
Blitz was finally freed in December 2019, mainly in no small part to the dedicated team at DDA Watch who supported him throughout, raising funds, giving advice and liaising with his legal team, a truly fabulous group of people.
UPDATE 2023
The government has taken the yet again knee jerk reaction to, the increase in dog attacks and unfortunate fatalities, alongside ill conceived and blatantly biased data collection and media bias to add another breed to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, that being the XL Bully.
At this time they have produced guidance in identifying this type of breed and the time span for the roll out of the new addition.
The slight difference and concession form the current framework being that at present the onus is on the owners to identify type and use an online portal to apply for exemption. there is also an ability at a later date if it is felt the identification of type doesn’t apply to have the dog removed from the exemption list and the restrictions that would also apply.
About DDA Watch:
DDA Watch assists pet owners who are facing legal proceedings, for example under the Dangerous Dogs Act and advises and helps dog owners in preparation for court hearings, they liaise with legal defence teams, police forces, local authorities, behavioural and ID experts and the families themselves involved in very distressing circumstances.
They also freely advise and circulate factual information to individuals, groups, enforcers of legislation, dog rescues, behaviourists and trainers etc on the operation and problems associated with breed specific legislation and other laws and regulations relating to dogs.
And so much more:
For further information or advice please contact DDA Watch
To my knowledge Blitz has never been dangerous to anybody, his only crime was being picked up as a stray.
Excitable YES
Untrained YES
Overzealous YES
But now due to BSL and being kept in kennels for this length of time Blitz is
Nervous
Anxious
Fearful of new people or places
Withdrawn
Physically impaired
The impact of isolating dogs apart from their owners is real and apparent. It has long lasting physical and mental effects that can in many cases be irreparable, but until this abomination of a law is amended significantly, all we can do is be there for our dogs and support those helping to pressure the lawmakers and free the innocents.
I fully understand the need for legislation that serves to protect society and penalise the owners responsible for a dog’s actions, but this does not correlate to penalising breeds of dogs that statistics show have a negligible effect on bite incidents.
Please fully support the removal of this legislation and all institutions that are working hard to save the dogs at the heart of this immoral and unethical practice.