‘Banning dog breeds just causes animals to suffer’

Since 1996 it’s been illegal to own pit bulls, fila brasilieros and other ‘dangerous’ dog breeds, but the RSPCA says it’s time to change that.

The animal welfare charity argues that breed specific legislation (BSL) simply doesn’t work and means well-behaved, socialised animals often suffer or are even destroyed, just because of the way they look.

This week marks 25 years since the introduction of the Dangerous Dogs Act, which banned ownership of breeds such as the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, fila braziliero or dogo argentino.

But the RSPCA says the law has done nothing to safeguard the public and causes animals – and their owners – to suffer unnecessarily.

Now the charity has launched a campaign calling on the public to back an inquiry into the law.

RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: “The police, the RSPCA and other animal rescue organisations have to deal with the consequences of this flawed law by euthanising hundreds of dogs because legislation is forcing us to, due to the way they look, despite being suitable for rehoming.

“It is the view of the RSPCA, and the public that every animal’s life matters.

“We conclude that breed spe- cific legislation has not achieved its objectives while causing unintended harms – a new approach is required.

“The RSPCA believes it is paramount for the government to launch an inquiry into the effectiveness of BSL, assess other options to improve human safety and dog welfare, and ultimately repeal the breed specific part of the legislation.”

Figures from the NHS Information Centre suggest the law has at best been ineffective.

Since 1989 the number of hospital admissions for dog bites has risen steadily, with no dip following the introduction of the Dangerous Dogs Act in 1996.

Picture: Istock photo The RSPCA says breed-specific legislation does not work