Law on dogs inadequate

Published: 7 January, 2011

• YOU have reported at least two instances of death and/or injuries, from dogs. The danger­ous dogs legislation has clearly proved inadequate. 

What is needed is universal compulsory dog licences. Most should be substantial and related to the size and nature of dogs and incorporate third-party insurance. In exceptional cases (for example, for blind people) the licence should be free but compulsory. 

Furthermore, all dogs should display a licence on a collar. It should be an arrestable offence for anyone in control of a dog not to control it properly, including having equipment to deal with its excrement. 

If a child is in charge of a dog, parents or guardians would be held responsible for any offence. There should be an addition to the licence fee (apart from indexing to the RPI) if the owner cannot claim a no-claims bonus.  

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