§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to provide for a local authority register of potentially dangerous breeds of dogs and to provide for licensing and adequate security provisions before such animals are allowed to be kept; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Douglas HoggNo. We have no plans for legislation in this area. Under the Dogs Act 1871 it is open to anyone to initiate proceedings by complaining to the magistrates' court that a dog is dangerous, or to report the matter to the police who will decide whether to institute a prosecution in the light of the facts of the case. On being satisfied that a dog is dangerous and not kept under proper control, the court may make an order for it to be kept under proper control or destroyed.