§ Baroness Whartonasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many dogs are at present held in police custody, after seizure or detention, since the Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997; and for what reasons. [HL263]
§ Lord Williams of MostynAt present there are 52 dogs held in police custody in England and Wales, having been seized since 8 June 1997 when the Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997 came into operation.
The dogs are being detained awaiting physical assessment to determine the type or breed; pending advice of the Crown Prosecution Service; subject to court proceedings; or waiting for the owner to obtain a certificate of exemption.
§ Baroness Whartonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What statistics and other information are being collected centrally or being compiled locally to enable constant review of the Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997. [HL264]
§ Lord Williams of MostynInformation on the number of cautions, prosecutions, convictions and sentences under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended in 1997) is recorded centrally. Other information collected centrally relates to cases where the courts have given the owner permission to obtain a certificate of exemption for their dog.
§ Baroness Whartonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What rules as regards the method of killing are laid down for the putting down of dogs condemned under the Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997; whether the killing must be carried out by a veterinary surgeon; 71WA and whether the owner can claim to be present and can remove the body for private burial. [HL265]
§ Lord Williams of MostynNo rules have been issued by the Home Office in relation to these matters. Arrangements for putting down dogs following an order of the court under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended in 1997) are operational matters for the local authority and the police service, which are responsible for enforcement.