Post by angelad on Jun 23, 2012 12:56:37 GMT
DEFRA has up to date information on all aspects of the Laws covering dogs and their control in the UK including BSL (Breed Specific Legislation)
Please Click Here
Breed Specific Legislation = BSL
Like all Organisations that take in stray dogs, Cardiff Dogs' Home is inspected very regularly by especially trained Police Dog Liaison Officers (DLO's) They assess each dog as to whether they are 'type' under the Dangerous Dogs Act.(1991/97)
The Act prohibits 4 types of dogs and it is illegal to own them without specific exemption from a court and them then being placed on the Index of Exempt Dogs.
The stray dogs are judged on their physical characteristics and whether they match the description of a prohibited 'type', ie. they are judged on their appearance. If they are judged 'type' the dog is PTS. - as it is illegal to own them, they cannot be legally rehomed.
This is the law of the land, and no matter how devastated people that know the dogs are, there are no options, the law must be followed.
This is happening at pounds and rescues all across the country and sadly, happens at the Home.
If you own a dog that is seized as 'type' under the '97 ammendment, please remember: Do not sign anything without reading and understanding it. If you sign your dog over to the authorities you are giving up your ownership and they can then destroy your dog. You do not have to sign your dog over no matter what you may be told.
Your dog may receive exemption from destruction by a court but it is not possible for an owner to apply for this exemption themselves. And the final decision rests soley with the court. This can be a long drawn out process and the dog is kept in kennels during this time. The most well known case involves Lennox, who despite long, extensive campaigning and publicity is still awaiting a decision after 2 years. UPDATE July2012 It looks as if Lennox's owners have come to the end of the line, there is nowhere for them to go, they cannot appeal any further - unless a miracle happens, Lennox will be PTS very shortly
If you dog has been seized, if you need support or advice if affected by the Dangerous Dogs Act, please contact DDA via email: ddawatch@gmail.com or via our helpline telephone numbers: 0844 844 2990, 0844 844 0802, 0844 318 9980 and 0844 844 2900 and in emergency: mobile 0794 1020 754
A great many people have been campaigning for years to have this law changed, arguing that it is the owners that produce dangerous dogs, not the actual breed itself.
Two of the best known and most influential are:
DEED NOT BREED
DDAwatch
If you feel strongly, please join and support them.
Please Click Here
Breed Specific Legislation = BSL
Like all Organisations that take in stray dogs, Cardiff Dogs' Home is inspected very regularly by especially trained Police Dog Liaison Officers (DLO's) They assess each dog as to whether they are 'type' under the Dangerous Dogs Act.(1991/97)
The Act prohibits 4 types of dogs and it is illegal to own them without specific exemption from a court and them then being placed on the Index of Exempt Dogs.
The stray dogs are judged on their physical characteristics and whether they match the description of a prohibited 'type', ie. they are judged on their appearance. If they are judged 'type' the dog is PTS. - as it is illegal to own them, they cannot be legally rehomed.
This is the law of the land, and no matter how devastated people that know the dogs are, there are no options, the law must be followed.
This is happening at pounds and rescues all across the country and sadly, happens at the Home.
If you own a dog that is seized as 'type' under the '97 ammendment, please remember: Do not sign anything without reading and understanding it. If you sign your dog over to the authorities you are giving up your ownership and they can then destroy your dog. You do not have to sign your dog over no matter what you may be told.
Your dog may receive exemption from destruction by a court but it is not possible for an owner to apply for this exemption themselves. And the final decision rests soley with the court. This can be a long drawn out process and the dog is kept in kennels during this time. The most well known case involves Lennox, who despite long, extensive campaigning and publicity is still awaiting a decision after 2 years. UPDATE July2012 It looks as if Lennox's owners have come to the end of the line, there is nowhere for them to go, they cannot appeal any further - unless a miracle happens, Lennox will be PTS very shortly
If you dog has been seized, if you need support or advice if affected by the Dangerous Dogs Act, please contact DDA via email: ddawatch@gmail.com or via our helpline telephone numbers: 0844 844 2990, 0844 844 0802, 0844 318 9980 and 0844 844 2900 and in emergency: mobile 0794 1020 754
A great many people have been campaigning for years to have this law changed, arguing that it is the owners that produce dangerous dogs, not the actual breed itself.
Two of the best known and most influential are:
DEED NOT BREED
DDAwatch
If you feel strongly, please join and support them.