When the bite is worse than the bark

It's hard to accurately quantify whether dangerous dog attacks are increasing. I do know, however, that the number of concerned constituents contacting me about dangerous dog attacks is increasing.

New figures reveal that in the 10 months from June 2010 to March of this year, a total of 456 patients were admitted to hospital for injuries caused by dog attacks in London. Whether that's more or less than the 10 months previous to that is, in some respects, immaterial. The number of incidences is far too many.

It has been clear for a while now that there are real problems with the existing dangerous dogs act. When in Government the Labour Party instigated a consultation on toughening existing powers to tackle dangerous dogs. That consultation closed over 18 months ago now, but, since then, the current Coalition Government have failed to take action. It is unacceptable for the Government to delay this any further.

What we need is legislation that enables effective enforcement and promotes responsible ownership. This could include extending the dangerous dogs laws to cover attacks on private property; giving the police and local councils more powers to tackle the problem of dangerous dogs; reviewing and updating existing legislation; exploring the extension of micro-chipping; and introducing a programme of education and engagement involving animal welfare organisations.

When even top vets are stating that there are more pit bulls in London now than when the animals were banned 20 years ago under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act, it must be time for the Government to act.