Fix Act to save lives
Animal charities have repeated their warning that the Dangerous Dogs Act is not fit for purpose – after a baby was killed by a hulking breed that is legal. Bella-Rae Birch, 17 months, was mauled to death at home by an American bully XL dog, which is not subject to prohibitions.
The muscly breed often has cropped ears and a fearsome appearance. Bella-Rae’s family only had their pet for a week before it attacked in St Helens, Merseyside.
Becky Thwaites, of Blue Cross, said: “The 1991 Act is failing in its aim to protect the public. We are calling for urgent changes to protect the safety of the public and dog welfare. Any new legislation needs to be based on deed not breed and allow enforcers to step in at the first sign of trouble to prevent serious attacks.”
The Dogs Trust said: “It’s been more than 30 years since the Dangerous Dogs Act and it has not reduced hospital admissions from dog bites.
“It has not improved public safety, and it has not reduced the breeds or types it legislates against.”