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- In-depth briefing on status dogs94.4 kBPDF
- Supporters briefing on status dogs169.8 kBPDF
- Advice for keeping children safe around dogs69.8 kBPDF
- Dog licensing brief106.7 kBPDF
Dog control
Dog Control
Status (and dangerous) dogs is an increasingly important issue not only for animal welfare but also for its links to anti-social behaviour, crime, and human safety. Status dogs are any breeds or types that are kept and used to intimidate the public often as ‘weapons’ by gangs but also protect criminal assets. They are typically big powerful dogs such as mastiffs, bull breeds, Rottweillers and Akitas.
These types of dogs are often used for fighting, either to settle scores, intimidate other people or simply to test the toughness of the dogs. This is an animal welfare problem that the RSPCA has to tackle each day. For example, our Harmsworth animal hospital in north London saw 22 dogs brought in with fighting wounds just in October 2009 alone.
Between 2004 and 2008 there was a 12-fold increase in complaints received by the RSPCA about dog-fighting (the vast majority of which concerned anti-social behaviour with dogs). In London, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has seen a 19-fold increase.
The RSPCA believes that a two-pronged approach must be taken to tackle the problem of status and dangerous dogs. It is currently working with the police and local authorities to ensure effective enforcement of existing dog control legislation and to educate local communities about responsible dog ownership. The RSPCA is also helping to encourage a better uptake of dog microchipping and neutering.
However, in the long-term the RSPCA believes that existing dog control legislation must be updated. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 currently bans, amongst other things, the breeding, sale or exchange of four types of dog traditionally used for fighting - Pit Bull terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos and Fila Brasileiros. However, it is clear that this legislation has not had the desired affect as RSPCA inspectors, local dog wardens and police officers are encountering more powerful cross-breeds of these and other types of dogs.
The RSPCA would like politicians to commit to updating and consolidating dog control legislation to focus on the actions of the owner and on preventing irresponsible dog ownership. Any type of dog can be owned irresponsibly and no dog should be penalised just because of its genetic make-up.
We are currently drafting proposals with the police and local authorities (all of which use the present laws) that we jointly feel would improve the situation. We would also urge the more targeted use of microchipping as a potential tool to deal with the issues of un-owned dogs, which can also be done under the dog control legislation.
Please download the documents on the left hand side of the page to find out further information on what the RSPCA is calling on political parties to support.
What can you do?
- Have a look at the briefings you can download and read on status dogs
- Discuss the issues with other supporters in our forums
- Ask your prosepctive general election candidates what their views are on how to tackle status dogs
Dog licensing
Although there is further work that needs to be done to establish how it would be implemented, administered and enforced, the RSPCA believes that the re-introduction of an updated dog licence could help to fund a wider dog health and welfare strategy nationally.
This could provide vital additional capital to fund dog-related services, such as local authority dog wardens to tackle stray or dangerous dogs, microchipping and neutering programs. It could also help to resource both the provision of more comprehensive information and advice to the public and greater research into dog related issues such as puppy farming and hereditary problems.
Other laws that affect companion animals
Here you can find some of the key pieces of law passed over the past 20 years relating to companion animals. Follow the links to find out what the laws do. You can see other laws by visiting our animal welfare law timeline.