§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many dogs have been registered under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991; what is his estimate of the number of such dogs not registered; and what he intends to do about these animals.
§ Mrs. RumboldI understand that the index of exempted dogs has received more than 6,000 notification forms. It is not possible at this stage to say how many owners have chosen not to complete a notification form in respect of their dog, as no precise figure exists for the number of pit bull terriers in the United Kingdom. At the time the Dangerous Dogs Act was passing through Parliament it was estimated that there were some 5,000 to 10,000.
Owners who did not report to the police by 12 October have until 30 November to destroy or export their dog. but it is now too late for them to apply for compensation or to obtain a certificate of exemption in respect of their animal. Any unexempted specially controlled dogs that come to light after 30 November are liable to be destroyed and their owners will be liable to prosecution.