Dangerous Dogs - what do WE propose?

As many of you know, the dangerous dogs debate has sparked off again. However, instead of letting the tabloids lead the debate (if you can call it that ) I thought it best we, as a dog lovers site should discuss the situation from a more balanced and educated viewpoint.

So the purpose of this thread is to discuss what 'we' think should be done to prevent such 'accidents' happening in future. How can we curb idiots getting hold of such dogs? Breeders breeding them? People importing them? Etc

HOWEVER PLEASE NOTE - while everyone is entitled to an opinion, you MUST be considerate to those law abiding responsible owners of dogs such as Staffs and other bull or working breeds, such as Rotties, Dobes, Mastiffs, GSDs etc. Remember that almost _any_ dog of reasonable size can be dangerous, and that not all owners of such breeds are irresponsible.

Whilst I understand that the DDA are looking at all bull breed and working breed owners right now, I as a bull breed owner myself, am not particually worried about that aspect RIGHT NOW. However, I am worried at the amount of pitbulls there are in the counrty, and the fact that people are continuing to breed them. I understand the fact that 'it's not the dog, it's the owner', but in my personal opinion, the DDA banned pitbulls years ago, and if they are a banned breed they should not still be here in the U.K.

I am not sure of any plan that would work to stop the pitbull breeding here in the U.K, these people just don't seem to care about fines and prison sentences that are applicable to them if caught. I too would be interested to see what everyone else thinks on this .....

Gosh.
A veritable can of worms.

I think first and foremost the police need to be given money and manpower to enforce any new laws or regulations and more investments must be made by councils in employing highly visible dog wardens (yes, I know they are visible....but I mean out in parks etc..a lot!)
That has to be done before any legislation could be effective.

Other than that, I think every dog should have to be licensed and microchipped. Breeders should be licensed (by the council when a bitch becomes pregnant...in case of accidental litters etc...)and again by the council when the pups are young. These papers shouold be rgistered by a central body (think car registration and you'll get the idea) and be passed on should ownership change, the micochip should be linked to this, YES I also think an admin fee should be charged for this. If a dog is encountered that is 'illegal' by NOT having the relevant papers, the owner should be done (MASSIVE fines) and the breeder traced (if possible) and have an even bigger fine imposed and any dogs seized and rehomed.
New owners should pay a licence fee which would serve to fund dog wardens (as would any fines paid etc..)

Pie in the sky but we can dream huh?

Just to add...
Each dog would have a specific identity/registration number which it could wear on it's tag on it's collar, the number would be in a central registry and easy therefore to 'check' just like car regs.

All dog owners should be licenced.
I think all dogs should be registered and have there DNA on a register that relates to their micro-chip.
I think all dogs should be treated as individuals and not be discriminated against because of their breed.

Plain and simply, dog licencing....

I personally don't think that there is any sure fire measure that will prevent accidents No matter what is proposed, there is always going to be someone that will go ahead and do the opposite

I would think that some sort of licencing should be brought in. How it would be effectively policed, is another story. I also thought about some kind of testing for prospective owners. Something like our current driving tests, but for dog ownership.

I disagree with dog licensing as I believe it would simply be another tax on law abiding citizens. I do think those proven to have dangerous dogs should be dealt with far more severely. 6months imprisionment is appallingly short, maybe we should have a new charge of death by dangerous dog, and GBH by dangerous dog where the owner would be held far more responsible than they appear to be at present. Most law abiding dog owners whatever their chosen breed have no problem being held responsible for their dogs actions, as they have taken the time to ensure they are well adjusted animals. It is those that can or will not make the effort, who need to be made aware of their responsiblities. Punish the owner not the dog, and make the punishment harsh.

I still think that a 'test' will be worthless, also I know of several people who have the knowledge and would probably pass a test but they don't put that knowledge into practice and treat their dogs badly so I don't think it is a fail safe either. Many people who breed powerful breeds have the knowledge but are still capable of holding dog fights, just because someone fights their dogs doesn't mean they know nothing.
I think weight pulling competitions should be banned, these are the 'legitimate' face of dog fighting where they can show off their dogs, and whilst I know that some people weight pull but dont fight many more do.
Compulsory microchipping would solve the dog licence thing as all details would go on Pet Log which is already a central registration like the DVLA.
Also compulsory puppy socialisation classes for people.
Becky

The problem is, no matter what laws are introduced, unless policed properly then they are ineffective and a waste of time and effort. No matter what is suggested there will always be those who can find the loophole in the law and abuse the system.

The problem seems to be that a lot of people can't tell the difference between breeds. Maybe an education programme could be set up to help people learn about different breeds and how important socialisation at an early age is for all breeds.