Calls to change Dangerous Dogs Act

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THE BLUE Cross is calling for an overhaul of the Dangerous Dogs Act so the law considers the individual dogs’ futures by taking into account its behaviour and not its breed.

The calls from the charity come as it revealed the Bromsgrove branch was forced to put down three healthy pit bull dogs because of the act which completely bans that particular breed.

The Blue Cross’ plea for the ‘deed not breed’ approach comes after BBC Documentary Death Row Dogs which showed ‘terrified and neglected’ dogs being allowed to survive in ‘appalling’ conditions and then sociable, healthy dogs, being put to sleep - because of their breed and because they came to the attention of the police.

Steve Goody, director of external affairs at The Blue Cross, said: ‘’This documentary brings to life what many of us in the animal welfare industry already know - innocent dogs are suffering due to the seriousness flaws of the Dangerous Dogs Act.

“As the film showed, police resources and and taxpayers’ money are being diverted to seize, kennel and often destroy dogs who are guilty of nothing more than looking a certain way.’’