§ Lord Houghton of Sowerbyasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many names appear on the list of exemptions granted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to owners of pit bull terriers and what is the reduction in the numbers during the last full year for which figures are available; and
What is the estimated number of pit bull terriers or pit bull terrier types which may be held unlawfully in the community.
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Blatch)The number of certificates in force as at 21 November 1994 was 4,377. This compares with 4,617 a year ago.
There is no reliable information available on the number of pit bull terriers or pit bull terrier types being held unlawfully in the community.
§ Lord Houghton of Sowerbyasked Her Majesty's Government:
31WAUnder what authority can a charge be made to an owner of a pit bull terrier in the custody of police who asks for permission to see his dog personally while it is in detention.
§ Baroness BlatchCode of Practice B issued under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 provides that those persons from whom property has been seized, or their representatives, must be allowed supervised access to the property unless the investigating officer has reasonable grounds for believing that this would prejudice the investigation of an offence or any criminal proceedings. Such access will be at the expense of the person requesting it.