§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many dogs have been destroyed as a result of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991; [31078]
(2) how many dogs are currently in police kennels awaiting the implementation of destruction orders; what is the average period of detention; and what is the longest current period of detention for a dog. [31077]
§ Mr. SackvilleSome 770 destruction orders were made between 1992 and 1994, although some of these orders will have been the subject of appeals. Figures for 1995 are likely to be available in the autumn.
There are currently 13 dogs held in police kennels in England and Wales awaiting the implementation of a destruction order under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. The average period of detention for these dogs is two years and four months, and the longest period of detention for a dog is currently four years and five months.
§ Mr. BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received in respect of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991; and what proposals he has to amend the legislation. [31076]
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Department has received representations from various individuals and organisations which also submitted views to the recent House of Lords Select Committee on the Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Bill [Lords]. Details are contained in its report, published on 26 February, HL paper No.48. The Government were unable to accept the recommendation contained in the report that the Act should be amended.
Representations have also been made to the Home Affairs Committee which is currently inquiring into the operation of the Act. While the Government will, of 330W course, consider carefully any recommendations which the Committee may make, there are currently no plans to amend the Act.