§ Dame Janet FookesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any proposals to strengthen the law on dangerous dogs.
§ Mr. HurdUnder the Dogs Act 1871, if a court finds that a dog is dangerous and not kept under proper control it may order the dog to be kept under proper control or destroyed.
My right hon. and learned Friend, the Secretary of State for Scotland and I have concluded that the penalties by which the Act is enforced ought to be strengthened. Subject to there being a legislative opportunity, we have in mind (i) giving the court a new power to order that the dog is destroyed by a person nominated by the court; (ii) substantially increasing the penalties for failing to comply with an order either to keep the dog under proper control or to destroy the dog; and (iii) giving the court a further power to ban the person against whom an order is made from owning or keeping a dog.