Overview

This bill amends the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, requiring the Secretary of State to conduct public consultations and publish data comparing dog bite fatalities before designating any dog breed as dangerous.

Description

The bill mandates that before adding a dog breed to the list of dangerous dogs under the 1991 Act, the Secretary of State must:

• Conduct a public consultation on the proposed order.
• Publish data on dog bite fatalities for the preceding three years, comparing the proposed breed with other breeds.

This applies to both dogs bred for fighting (Section 1) and other specially dangerous dogs (Section 2) under the 1991 Act. The Act extends to England, Wales, and Scotland and comes into force upon passing.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify any direct government spending figures. The costs will likely relate to the consultations and data collection/publication.

Groups Affected

• Dog owners: Potentially affected by any changes to the list of dangerous breeds. The consultation process offers a chance to influence these decisions.
• Breed-specific rescue organizations: May be affected by changes in breed designations and public perception.
• Law enforcement: Will be responsible for enforcing any changes arising from the amendments.
• The public: Will be impacted by any changes to the legal status of certain dog breeds and will have an opportunity to participate in the consultations.

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