BBC3 - my weapon is a dog

Last night there was a great programme on BBC3 which dealt with the phenomenon of 'dangerous' dogs being used as weapons. If you have the time to watch it then please do, it's very pertinent not only to this blog but to the situation with dogs in cities more generally.

There's still time to watch the programme both on iPlayer and over the next few days when it is shown at the following times:

1. Thu 21 May 2009
   21:00
   BBC Three
2. Fri 22 May 2009
   00:15
   BBC Three
3. Sun 24 May 2009
   00:05
   BBC Three
4. Sun 24 May 2009
   04:05
   BBC Three
5. Mon 25 May 2009
   00:15
   BBC Three
6. Mon 25 May 2009
   04:35
   BBC Three
7. Wed 27 May 2009
   02:15
   BBC Three

Defra - guidance on dangerous dogs

Update from Defra

Yesterday Defra published additional information providing guidance to police and local authorities on the enforcement of dangerous dogs law. The information is intended to help these bodies work more effectively and crack down on irresponsible dog ownership.

The guidance, which has been written in association with the police, the RSPCA and local authorities, sets out current law and provides advice on how the legislation can be used effectively to improve enforcement with specific reference to the following areas:

• An outline of the law regarding dangerous dogs, including an explanation of how to interpret and enforce the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act and the 1871 Dogs Act

• Best practice for the main enforcement authorities: the police and local authorities;

• How to identify pit bull terrier-type dogs

• Examples of existing local initiatives.

Although it is not aimed at dog owners the guidance makes for interesting reading on how law enforcement/government agencies are being directed to apply the law. 

Defra: Dangerous Dogs Law - guidance for enforcers

Dogsbite - common sense information about dangerous dogs

For further information on dangerous dogs and the potentially devastating impact they can have take a look at 'Dogsbite'. Particular mention is made of The Dangerous Dog Act's failure to ban the group of breeds which are typically considered to be pit bulls. 

Worth reading

The article below was published in the Independent on Saturday and makes for interesting reading on the subject of dangerous dogs:

What really makes dogs dangerous?