Written question asked by Adrian Bailey (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 December 2000. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Wednesday, 20 December 2000 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make it his policy to resist pressure by the German Government on the European Union to have the Staffordshire bull terrier classified as a dangerous breed of dog.

Answer: Mr. Bailey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to resist pressure by the German Government on the European Union to have the Staffordshire bull terrier classified as a dangerous breed of dog. [143113] Mr. Mike O'Brien: The United Kingdom Government is opposed to European Union legislation on dangerous dogs. We also consider that current United Kingdom law, in the form of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended in 1997), is adequate for present and future control needs in this country. While it is true that the German Government did press for European Union legislation on the subject of dangerous dogs, in the absence of any proposals, it is not clear precisely what types of dogs would have been affected. However, following a related discussion at a meeting in September of the European Union's Judicial Home Affairs Council, it seems unlikely that the matter will progress.

Secondary information