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Police host ‘dangerous’ dog surgeries
Lancashire Police areholding dog surgeries across the county this week to encourage responsible ownership and tackle the issue of ‘dangerous dogs’.
Events will be held between 12pm and 8pm in Blackburn (23rd July), Blackpool (24th July) and Preston (25th July). Members of the public who have concerns about whether or not they own a banned breed are being asked to book an appointment and bring their dog along where specialist dog handlers and dog identification officers will be on hand to assess their dog and decide if further action is required.
The purpose of the events is to educate the public about the recent changes in dog legislation and to provide help and advice to dog owners who have questions or concerns about the breed of their dog, and identify any dogs that are prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act.All owners are being reassured that they will be treated professionally and sensitively.
Officers are also hoping that the events will help them to generate intelligence about potential dangerous dogs.
Inspector Mark Baines said: “We know there are dogs out there that pose a risk to the community and even to their owners. Any dog breed has the potential to be dangerous, especially around very small children.Sadly this is evident by the number of dog bite incidents that get reported both to us and other forces on a regular basis, some with tragic consequences.
“We understand that it may be a very difficult decision for pet owners to come forward but we would urge anybody that owns a dog and has any concerns about its breed to bring it along in order to comply with the legislation.
“Even if a dog is found to be a banned breed we can guide owners through the court process.It may still be possible for dog owners to keep their pet, subject to certain restrictions. Destruction of any animal will be an absolute last resort, there are ways we can help them keep their pet safety.”
These events follow an extension to the law on Dangerous Dogs in May 14 2014 which made it an offence for a dog to be dangerously out of control in all places, including the dog owner’s home, protecting people such as postal workers, health professionals and children.
So far this year Lancashire Police have seized 144 dogs, of which 113 were banned breeds. 23 of the dogs assessed as being a banned breed dog have been kept by their owners after a court agreed a contingent destruction order. This means the dog has to be neutered, tattooed, micro-chipped, insured and be muzzled and in control of someone over 16 when in public. Six owners have also been prosecuted under Sec 3 of the Dangerous Dog Act.
Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "Everyone is all too familiar with the devastating and tragic consequences that can occur as a result of people owning out-of-control and dangerous dogs.
"I am fully supportive of the Constabulary's efforts to protect people and keep communities safe, and I would urge anyone who is concerned about their pet to visit the surgery and put their mind at ease.
"Ultimately, we all want to prevent further tragedies in the county, and this is an excellent opportunity for dog owners to get the help, support and advice they might need. Please don't wait until it's too late to do that."
Animal welfare is also a key concern for the operation as often banned breeds are rarely exercised owing to their temperament and are often found to be kept in poor conditions.
Insp Baines continued: “Our message is simple; we have a responsibility to protect people and keep communities safe. If you are in any doubt whether your dog is a banned breed don’t wait for us to knock on your door, book an appointment and come and see us.
“Equally if you have any concerns about a dog in your community please pick up the phone and let us know – we will enforce the law and take any necessary action.”
Members of the public with any concerns about dangerous dogs are encouraged to go along to the surgeries and speak with the force Dog Legislation Officers.
Alternatively police are urging anyone who suspects they know someone with a banned type of dog to contact Police on 101 or to ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
If you see a dog out of control, whether or not it is one of the dangerous dog types, dial 999. Stray dogs should be reported to the council dog warden service.
Legislation
Four types of dog are prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act: Pit bull terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Braziliero. The Act deliberately uses the word ‘type’ as the law does not only apply to ‘pure’ breeds. Types are defined by the physical and behavioural characteristics of the prohibited dog.
While it is an offence to own a dangerous dog, if the dog attacks someone the offence becomes much more serious and carries far greater penalties.
A dog owner faces up to 14 years imprisonment if a person dies as a result of a dog attack; five years imprisonment if a person is injured by a dog attack and • three years imprisonment if an assistance dog is either killed or injured.
The maximum prison sentence for an owner whose dog kills a person went up from two years to 14 years in May 2014. This is consistent with current maximum sentences; for example causing death by dangerous driving.
Owners who deliberately set their dogs on someone can already get life imprisonment for manslaughter or murder if the victim dies.
The dog surgeries will take place between 12pm and 8pm:
Wednesday 23rd July 2014 –Blackburn Police Station, Greenbank Business Park off Whitebirk Drive Blackburn BB1 3HT
Thursday 24th July 2014 – Blackpool Police Station,Bonny Street Blackpool FY1 5RL.
Friday 25th July 2014 –Preston Operations Centre, Lancaster Road North Preston PR1 2SA.
Please email to book an appointment. You will need to provide your name, address, telephone number, preferred station and time. Alternatively you can call us on 101.
Inspector Mark Baineswill be hosting a live Facebook chat about dangerous dogs on Tuesday21st July between 5pm and 6pm. You can join in here:
For further dog ownership help and advice please visit:
ENDS
18/07/2014
Earlier today I sent a message out re the Blackpool Dangerous Dog Surgery -- it has now closed (was supposed to close at 8pm).
If you want an appointment please phone PC John Willan on 07908833687. Thank you.
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