Petition No To DDA Amendments

We the undersigned oppose the proposed amendments to the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA). We oppose extending section 3 to any place leaving dogs & their owners potentially criminalised in their own homes. ‘Dangerously out of control’ is any occasion a person has ‘reasonable apprehension’ of injury whether or not the dog has actually injured a person. Offences should not be of strict liability as is currently the case. Barking/growling alone at an assistance dog should not result in proceedings. We oppose any extension of powers to enter private property or seize a dog from private property without a warrant. We object to amendments that a court MUST consider if the owner is ‘fit and proper’ & may consider ‘any other relevant circumstances’. BSL does nothing to protect the public, or address the problems of irresponsible owners/breeders. Defendants should be innocent until proved guilty. Legal aid should be extended to cover civil proceedings under the DDA & also the Dogs Act 1871