Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 June 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 6 June 2008. It was answered by Jonathan Shaw (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 June 2008 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dogs: Animal Welfare

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will bring forward legislative proposals to (a) include all breeds of dog within the provisions of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 so as to prohibit ownership by unfit persons in place of a general prohibition of ownership of particular breeds of dog and (b) prohibit dog rental schemes under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Answer: The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 already applies to all breeds and types of dog. Section 3 of the Act makes it an offence for an owner or keeper of a dog of any type or breed to allow the dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place, or in a private place where it has no right to be. The courts also already have powers—both under dangerous dogs legislation and the Animal Welfare Act 2006—to disqualify an owner or keeper of a dog from having custody of a dog for any period.On dog rental schemes, we are not aware that there are a significant number of these schemes in operation. However, we will keep this matter under observation and should there be an upsurge in dog rental schemes we can consider using powers under the Animal Welfare Act to regulate or prohibit such activities.

Secondary information