Scotland Parliament passes bill to repeal breed ban

The Scotish Parliament today approved their new dangerous dog law they've been calling "dog Asbos" in a unanimous decision.  The new law gives councils greater power to impose penalties for owners of badly behaved dogs and will focus on "deed not breed". The law would replace several laws dealing with dogs in the country, including the Dangerous Dogs Act, which bans four breeds of dogs in Scotland.

Dog Asbos was proposed by MSP Alex Neil. In his proposal, he notes that the Dangerous Dogs Act was "difficult ot enforce and a huge drain on resources." "It is clear that a dog's breed is only one factor which may affect its behavior. Attempting to define the law purely in relation to breed has failed to protect the public."

The statistics support Neil. Over the past decade, Scotland has seen an over 150% increase in dog attacks.

Bill Reilly, President of the British Veterinary Association commented:

"The key message is that any dog can show aggression, particularly if it is not handled and trained properly, so legislation that provides the tools to target irresponsible ownership before it becomes a problem is very welcome. The rest of the UK should now look at Scotland and replace the failed breed-specific legislation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland."

The law is not yet final, but seems on pace to be soon. Great work by the folks in Scotland in listening to the professional experts in their community and making changes to a clearly failing law.

H/T to Ryan O'Meara at Dog Magazine and his great coverage of this law.

Comments

[pitbull friend]

Yahooo! Every once in a while, common sense prevails! Thanks for telling us, Brent.

[Jennifer]

My understanding of the bill in Scotland is that it does not repeal the DDA or remove BSL. It is just a slight rewording that supporters hope will lead, some day, to an emphasis on owner responsibility rather than breed or appearance. I think only the Parliament of the UK can repeal the breed-specific portion of the DDA in its entirety. The Scotland bill text can be read here: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/29-dogControl/index.htm
Despite that, I am pleased with the direction Scotland is pushing toward; I hope it will eventually lead to the repeal of BSL in the UK.

[Donna]

it's so encouraging to read this. thanks for letting us know.

[Brent]

Yeah Jennifer -- I confess I'm not 100% sure how that works with Scottish law vs the UK law. I'll see what I can find out about that.

[J.M.]

It`s not a Repeal of BSL.
That`s not even on the table according to K9 Magazine.
http://www.dogmagazine.net/archives/5434/dogs-trust-comments-on-scottish-dangerous-dogs-law/

[Brent]

Thanks J.M. It sounds as if Scotland would love to get rid of the BSL - -but does not have the power to do so. I wasn't sure how that worked over there whether Scotland's law could trump the UK law.

Disappointing...but pressure has got to be mounting...

[Syn from Glasgow Scotland]

As a Scot and the owner of Staffordshire Bull Terriers i welcome the common sense the Scottish Parliament has shown, its about time someone did. although the previous comments are correct when they say BSL is a UK law and we Scots can't get rid of it completely we know it doesn't work.the new amendment unanimously passed by the parliament and subsequent orders given to local council's to focus on "deed and not breed" mean's that even though BSL technically still exists we're determined to do it OUR way. at least we're taking a huge step in the right direction !!

[Ryan]

It is not the dog that makes it mean. It is the Master. I have a pit bull. He is a gentleman. Not fair for someone to judge all bad dogs as one. They are loyal and protective of there master and humans . I wish to bring my pit bull to scotland. Prove everyone how wrong they are. If raised with love and respect. they are big kids themselves and love to play and be loved. Mine has yet bite anyone nor show sings of aggressive behavior. Brutus name of my pit is also a rescue. Some bad dogs can be turned back into gentleman with proper care of a Person has knowledge of Pit Bulls.