Bva Vicotry For 'deed Not Breed' In Scotland

[bulldogz4eva]

Victory for 'deed not breed' in Scotland

22 April 2010

Vets are celebrating a victory for the principle of ‘deed not breed’ in the control of dangerous or out of control dogs, after the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Bill passed Stage 3 in the Scottish Parliament unanimously today.

As a member of the Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG), the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has been lobbying members of the Scottish Parliament to support the Control of Dogs Bill since it was introduced as a Member’s Bill by Alex Neil MSP and continued by Christine Grahame MSP.

Ahead of the Stage 3 debate the BVA and DDASG lobbied all MSPs requesting their support for an amendment tabled by Patricia Ferguson MSP, which removed the reference to a dog’s “size and power” when considering whether it is out of control.

The amendment was passed today by 57 to 42 votes.

Commenting, Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA, said:

“This a fantastic step forward in our campaign against breed-specific legislation and we are grateful to Christine Grahame and Patricia Ferguson for enshrining the important principle of ‘deed not breed’ in legislation.

“The key message is that any dog can show aggression, particularly if it is not handled and trained properly, so legislation that provides the tools to target irresponsible ownership before it becomes a problem is very welcome.

“The rest of the UK should now look to Scotland and replace the failed breed-specific legislation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”

Andrew Ash, President-Elect of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and BVA representative on the DDASG, added:

“The BSAVA is delighted that the Scottish Parliament has signed up to the principle of deed not breed.

“A dog’s behaviour is largely the result of the rearing and training provided by the owner. The problems caused by dangerous dogs will never be solved until dog owners appreciate that they are responsible for the actions of their animals.

“The veterinary profession will continue to support all efforts to promote responsible ownership and work with owners who are struggling with their pets.”

Notes to editors

1. The Control of Dogs (Scotland) Bill was introduced as a Member’s Bill by Alex Neil MSP and continued by Christine Grahame MSP. More information on the Bill (from the Scottish Parliament website)

2. The Bill will become an Act approximately one month after being passed at Stage 3, when it receives Royal Assent (although some or all of the Act may not come into force until later still)

3.BVA policy on dangerous dogs

4. The Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG) includes representatives from: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, the Blue Cross, the British Veterinary Association, Dogs Trust, the Kennel Club, Mayhew Animal Home, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Wandsworth Borough Council, and Wood Green Animal Shelters, as well as dangerous dogs expert Trevor Turner.

5. For more information please contact the BVA press office

At least it looks like a start.if only the government here would listen to common sense.

Edited May 23, 2010 by bulldogz4eva

[julzjc]

Hmmmm, sounds good but still not sure how safe I would feel about taking my American staffordshire Bonnie back to Scotland seeing we would have to fly in via London. Hubby would love to move back there for a while but Ive said no chance as Im not leaving the dogs here and Im not willing to risk Bonnie being PTS when she enters Britain. She is a papered American Staffordshire but considering Britain has conviscated/PTS tiny staffordshire bull terriers, bull terriers etc assuming they are pitbulls (how the heck you can confuse a bull terrier with a pitt bull is beyond me) I have not been willing to take the chance of taking her into the country. Heard too many stories of papered dogs being taken away and PTS before the owners have had a chance to find their papers.

Would she manage to pass through London without issues I wonder? Im still not game to take that chance though atleast untill this change to the Scottish law has been in effect for a much longer time.