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Professor Bill Reilly, President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), said the current controls - which ban certain breeds like pit bull terriers - were failing to protect people from aggressive dogs.

It was often difficult to identify which breeds the dogs belonged to, he said.

Instead, he called for a new approach that would target individual aggressive dogs based on "deed not breed", in a simlar way to which Anti-Social Behavior Orders are given to individuals.

Councils would be able to issue restrictions on dog owners who did not control their pets. Owners would have to keep control of the dog by using a leash, using muzzles or having the dog neutered or face a hefty fine.

Attacks by dogs have doubled over the last decade to 600 every year, with a number of children killed as "weapon dogs" become more popular.

Prof Reilly said the new powers would force owners to take responsibility.

"It has been called dog Asbos, which is all about giving local authorities the power to control these dogs," he said.

The Scottish Parliament is currently looking at legislation that will introduce the "dog control notices".

In the annual BVA dinner, attended by ministers, Prof Reilly called on the UK Government to change the law so councils can control aggressive dogs by "deed not breed".

"With concern about weapon dogs rising and a new Parliament on the horizon looking for fresh ideas, the time is surely right for it to be at the top of the political agenda," he said.

He also called for "puppy contracts" to be introduced.

Source : http://www.telegraph.co.uk

Date : 17/02/2010

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