§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many pit bull type dogs have been destroyed in each county or sheriff court area in the United Kingdom since the legislation permitting destruction was introduced; and what assessment he has made of whether the court procedures to identify the characteristics of the breed of dogs destroyed are proving a satisfactory and consistent basis for court procedures.
§ Mr. Charles WardleInformation on the number of pit bull terriers destroyed in each county and sheriff court area in the United Kingdom as a result of proceedings under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is not collected centrally.
The decision whether any particular dog is of the type known as the pit bull terrier is ultimately a matter for the courts, having regard to all relevant evidence and advice. Circulars on the Act were issued to the police, the Crown prosecution service and the courts, both at the time of coming into force of the Act and subsequently. These contained general guidance on the provisions, and on the assistance which may be available in determining whether a particular dog is of the pit bull type.
§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce amendments to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to provide that a dog with a pure-bred pedigree as a Staffordshire bull terrier shall not be treated as a pit bull terrier.
§ Mr. Charles WardleSection 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 applies—amongst others—to dogs "of the type known as the pit bull terrier". It is ultimately for the courts to decide whether a particular animal falls within this definition, and they will take into account all relevant considerations. Evidence of pedigreee may in some circumstances be a factor in determining the question.
A Home Office circular containing advice about the operation of the Act, issued last August, and sent to the police, the Crown prosecution service and the courts, drew attention to a list provided by the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Council of clubs and societies willing to give advice in cases where there is doubt whether the dog is a Staffordshire bull terrier.
§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 have been successful.
§ Mr. JackThe Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 did not come into force until August 1991. Information on the number of prosecutions under this Act for 1992, the first full year for which information will be recorded centrally, is expected to be available around the autumn of 1993.