Overview

The Dog Control Bill aims to improve dog control and welfare in England and Wales by clarifying responsibilities, strengthening controls on dangerous dogs, and introducing new offenses and penalties. It repeals previous legislation on dangerous dogs and establishes a comprehensive framework for managing dog-related issues.

Description

This bill defines responsibility for a dog, including those temporarily in charge. It makes it an offense to allow a dog to be aggressive or dangerously out of control, encourage aggression, breed dogs for fighting, keep dogs used for fighting, or keep dogs that have attacked. The bill empowers police and local authorities to issue "control notices" requiring actions like muzzling, leading, neutering, microchipping, training, or rehoming. Failure to comply with section 2 or a control notice leads to penalties including control orders, disqualification orders from dog ownership, deprivation or destruction orders, fines, or imprisonment. Defenses include provocation, self-defense, service dog status, or the attack being on a trespasser. The bill also grants powers to seize and destroy dogs and repeals the Dogs Act 1871, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, and the Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly state the cost to the government. However, increased enforcement and potential legal costs associated with prosecutions and appeals could lead to increased government spending on law enforcement and the judicial system. Conversely, the bill's aims to reduce dog attacks could potentially decrease healthcare spending.

Groups Affected

• Dog owners: Will face stricter regulations and potential penalties for failing to control their dogs. Those who own aggressive dogs may face more severe consequences.
• Police and local authorities: Will have increased responsibilities for enforcing the new regulations and issuing control notices.
• Animal shelters and rescue organizations: May see an increase in the number of dogs needing rehoming.
• Victims of dog attacks: Could potentially benefit from improved dog control and reduced incidents.
• Breeders of fighting dogs: Will be heavily impacted by the bill's prohibition on breeding and keeping dogs used for fighting.

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