Sir Gavin Williamson attended a Parliamentary event to discuss issues surrounding dog control in the UK.
For over three decades, Dogs Trust, along with other leading voices in the animal welfare sector, have been calling for an overhaul of the Dangerous Dogs Act. The charity believes the current legislation’s focus on breed-specific legislation is not only detrimental to dog welfare, but it is ineffective and does little to protect members of the public. Instead, Dogs Trust wants to see a move towards preventative, breed-neutral legislation which addresses the unscrupulous breeders who are putting profit before welfare, and owners whose dogs are out of control.
Dogs Trust is calling for a standardised approach to data collection, including recording the circumstances around dog control incidents, to build an accurate picture of these incidents. This will allow greater understanding of their causes and impact, as well as preventative measures which could be most effective.
As well as discussing the issues surrounding dog control laws, MPs attending the event were also invited to take part in a friendly competition around identifying dog body language. Results from Dogs Trust’s 2024 National Dog Survey revealed that 76% of dog owners are unable to correctly read dog body language, misunderstanding the subtle signs that their pets are stressed or worried.
As most acts of dog aggression, including bites, happen when dogs feel worried, scared or stressed, Dogs Trust believes many dog-related incidents could be prevented if owners are
able to spot the early warning signs that their dogs are distressed - before the situation escalates. This includes recognising subtle changes in body language, such as their ears going back, tension in their body, or their tail tucked under.
Sir Gavin said: “I welcomed the opportunity to attend this important Parliamentary event which explored how we can protect dogs and owners through more specific legislation.
“As an animal lover, I am committed to ensuring owners have all the tools and knowledge to recognise a distressed dog which can significantly reduce the number of bite incidents and other attacks.
“Through improved behaviour training and recognising the signs of distressed dogs, we can create a safer environment for owners and their beloved pets.”
Claire Calder from Dogs Trust said: “We are grateful to Sir Gavin Williamson MP for attending our recent Dogs Trust event on dog control and for engaging in this important discussion. Like many members of the public, Dogs Trust is deeply concerned about the rising number of dog-related incidents and strongly believes that more must be done to prevent them and ensure public safety.
“However, after more than 30 years of calling for change, we remain convinced that the current Dangerous Dogs Act urgently needs reform. Its focus on breed-specific legislation not only harms dog welfare but has also proven ineffective in protecting people. What’s needed is a shift toward preventative, breed-neutral legislation that targets irresponsible breeding practices and owners who fail to keep their dogs under control.”
