§ Jane GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the action of the German Government in respect of banning certain breeds of dog. [141324]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe Government's view is that action by the authorities of other countries, concerning dogs within their own borders, is entirely a matter for them. We have therefore made no assessment of steps taken in Germany as regards certain breeds of dogs.
The German Government has pressed for European Union (EU) legislation on the subject of dangerous dogs, but following related discussion at a meeting last September of the European Union's Judicial Home Affairs Council, it seems unlikely that the matter will progress.
The United Kingdom Government are opposed to European Union legislation on this subject. We also consider that current United Kingdom law, in the form of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended in 1997), is adequate for present and future control needs in this country.