Steve Darling calls for action to prevent dangerous dog attacks

Cllr Steve Darling, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Torbay Council, is writing to MP Suella Braverman regarding her plans to ban Bully XL dogs. This follows an attack on his guide dog Jennie by a young bully XL last month in which Jennie received a nasty injury to her neck and was treated by an out of hours veterinary practice. It took four people to pull the dog off Jennie and luckily when grappling with the dogs, Steve only received light injuries. Steve is pleased to report that she is recovering well and back to her lovely self. 

Cllr Darling said “the UK Government need to deal with owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control and pose a risk regardless of their breed. We need action against XL Bully breeders who are using these dogs for profit. We need more effective enforcement and early interventions - which bring dogs to the attention of law enforcement earlier if there is concern about their behaviour before it escalates. We also need to work with people to prevent incidents from happening but in addition to tough sentences to punish and deter those who use dogs to harm other people.

The law shouldn't focus on certain types of dogs - but instead deal with aggression in all dogs, with the response tailored on a case by case basis. Only then can we properly protect the public and other dogs from aggressive behaviour in all dogs.

We cannot and should not keep adding dogs to the banned list - we need a fundamental change to the law on dogs acting dangerously to protect the public now and in the future.”

In light of the prevalence of dog attacks in Torbay, Steve is also undertaking a survey to vets locally regarding dog attacks the understand the level of the problem in Torbay as he heard from one resident who took their dog to the vets for an injury by a dog attack, that the vets treat a minimum of 2 dogs a day following an attack by another dog.

The full text of the letter is as follows:

Dear MP Braverman

I understand that you are considering taking action on banning American Bully XL dogs.

Sadly, a month ago the guide dog partnership between Jennie and myself was attacked by a young Bully XL. This was from a breeder who allowed the dog to escape from his home. Jennie received a nasty injury to her neck and was treated by an out of hours veterinary practice. It took four of us to pull the dog off Jennie and luckily when grappling with the dogs, I only received light injuries. I am pleased to report that she is recovering well and back to her lovely self. 

I am concerned that banning is not the answer, I support the RSPCA who state that we urgently need the UK Government to deal with owners whose dogs are dangerously out of control and pose a risk. We also need action against breeders who are using these dogs for profit.

We need more effective enforcement and early interventions - which bring dogs to the attention of law enforcement earlier if there is concern about their behaviour before it escalates. We also need to work with people to prevent incidents from happening but in addition to tough sentences to punish and deter those who use dogs to harm other people.

The law shouldn't focus on certain types of dogs - but instead deal with aggression in all dogs, with the response tailored on a case by case basis. Only then can we properly protect the public and other dogs from aggressive behaviour in all dogs.

When dogs, including XL bullies, are bred and reared poorly, and denied training, socialisation and good care, aggression becomes more likely. That's what needs tackling.

We cannot and should not keep adding dogs to the banned list - we need a fundamental change to the law on dogs acting dangerously to protect the public now and in the future.

I hope you will take these views into consideration.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Cllr Steve Darling