§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total number of dogs currently held in respect of charges under(a) the Dogs Acts and (b) the Dangerous Dogs Acts; what is the daily costs of keeping those animals in custody; how many of those animals are alleged to be pit bull or pit bull type; how many of those animals have been in custody for more than (a) three and (b) six months; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas BakerThere are presently 133 dogs held in police custody in England and Wales under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. No dogs are being held under other dogs Acts. Ninety-seven dogs are alleged to he of the type known as the pit bull terrier.
Thirty-one dogs have been held in custody for more than three months and 73 dogs for more than six months.
The daily cost of keeping dogs in custody ranges between £1.76 and £9, depending on the police force concerned.