§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will write to police forces reminding them of the list he has already circulated, compiled by the British Veterinary Association and the Kennel Club, which provides the names of individuals with expert knowledge who may be well equipped to identify dogs which may be suspected as being covered by section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991; and what assessment he has made as to whether reference to such individuals could(a) save public money and (b) reduce distress. [24205]
§ Mr. SackvilleGuidance on the list of individuals prepared to give advice as to whether a particular dog appears likely to fall within section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was set out in the Home Office circular issued in February 1994 to all police forces in England and Wales. It remains extant and we have no evidence to suggest that police forces generally are unaware of the guidance contained in the circular.
Decisions from whom to seek advice in this regard is an operational decision for the chief officer of police. Clearly, the early identification of whether a dog is covered by section 1 of the 1991 Act should be of benefit to all concerned in a case.