Dangerous Dogs Act

In 2008, according to NHS figures, there were nearly 3,800 reported attacks - three times as many as in 1991 - but it's expected that many such incidents go unreported, and that in reality, these figures are much higher.

Speaking on the increase in reported attacks in the local area, East Sussex Police Sergeant Tricia Reeve-Fowkes said:

"We take any offence against the Dangerous Dogs Act very seriously. We receive regular reports and and investigate each one.

"Sometimes they do not fit the criteria of the Dangerous Dogs Act, but nevertheless we do investigate and provide advice to the owners on how to keep their dogs under control."

The controversial Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 consists of two main parts.

The first 'prohibits persons from having in their possession or custody' four breeds of dog 'bred for fighting'.

They are: the Pit Bull Terrier (American), Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero, and Japanese Tosa.

It is against the law to own these dogs unless the owner obtains a certificate of exemption and the dog is micro-chipped, neutered and insured.

In addition the dog must be muzzled and on a lead in public places and be in the charge of someone who is at least 16 years old.

The second part of the Act relates to keeping dogs of any type whatsoever under proper control.

The RSPCA say the Act has actually lead to an increase in dangerous dogs. Speaking earlier this year, David Grant of the RSPCA said:

"It's just a completely out of control situation. My situation here in this RSPCA hospital is actually worse than before the Act came in."

Guidelines for enforcement authorities helps identify pit bull terrier-type dogs, but many critics claim the Act is too vague and, with many similar looking animals around, are unsure exactly which dogs it relates too.

This train of thought is backed-up by local train operator Southern Rail.

Dogs are allowed on their trains but a spokesman admitted to being unclear which dogs the Act refers too:

"Southern does not have a policy regarding the types of dogs allowed on our trains.

"We are unable to identify which dogs are banned and which are not and so we rely on law enforcement to deal with this issue."

In 1991 there were few Pit Bulls, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, or Fila Braziliero's in the UK. As there were relatively few owners of these dogs it held little risk to issue a banning order against these particular breeds.

Research by the RSPCA has shown that there are now more pit bull's in the UK than there were when the Act was passed.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers were originally bred for fighting sports (now outlawed in the UK) and yet they are not included on the 'banned' dangerous dogs list.

It's estimated that there are over ten million SBT's in the UK so it would probably be politically incorrect for them to be on the banned list.

However this could all change if proposed new legislation comes into force.

The Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG) has lobbied against the inadequacies of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 for many years and say:

"Members of the group are backing a new Dog Control Bill proposed by Lib Dem peer Lord Redesdale, which passed its second reading in the House of Lords in July.

"This Bill would consolidate previous legislation and better protect the public by targeting the cause of dog attacks '“ dog owners themselves."

Lord Redesdale said: "People deserve to feel safe around dogs and this Bill goes a long way towards protecting the public through tougher action against irresponsible dog owners.

"The current law has done nothing but make banned breeds and their lookalikes more appealing and created the issue of status dogs because they are seen as status symbols.

"Owners of aggressive or violent dogs of any kind would be brought to account with this Bill, which in turn will prevent a large number of attacks by dealing with problem behaviour at the first signs of aggression rather than when an attack has taken place, as in current legislation".

The DDASG said it has been working closely with Lord Redesdale in support the Bill and has long been calling on the government to repeal the current legislation:

"If passed, the Bill will introduce major changes to current dangerous dog legislation, which is widely considered to be one of the most ineffective pieces of government legislation ever brought into force.

"The Group believes that the breed specific nature of current legislation has caused it to fail, and that focusing on individual breeds has failed to prevent a large number of dog attacks, or reduce the number of Pit Bull Terriers in the UK."

DDASG Chairman Chris Laurence, Veterinary Director of Dogs Trust, said:

"We firmly believe that the Dangerous Dogs Act needs to be overhauled to better protect the public and that a new dog control regime that emphasises responsible dog ownership should be introduced.

"The Dog Control Bill supports the principle that it is people, not the dogs themselves that make dogs dangerous. Lord Redesdale's Bill would allow people to be better protected from dangerous dogs with tougher action taken against irresponsible dog owners."