Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Dog Attacks

Thursday 1 February 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Neil Hudson asked about steps taken to ensure public safety from dog attacks, noting nine recent fatalities and 30,000 dog owners registered.
  • Neil Hudson inquired about extending the deadline for neutering large-breed dogs to June 2025 due to increased risk before 18 months of age.
  • Ian Lavery asked about steps for constituents who could not meet the registration deadline due to financial or health issues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

Following a rise in fatalities due to dog attacks, Neil Hudson is concerned about the steps being taken by the government.

Question

What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help ensure public safety from dog attacks. The MP notes that there have been nine recent fatalities and 30,000 dog owners registered as part of a balanced approach.

Answer from Steve Barclay

We have taken quick and decisive action following the concerning rise in fatalities; there have been nine recent fatalities. We have now seen 30,000 dog owners registered as part of the balanced approach we are taking.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response does not provide specific steps being taken with Cabinet colleagues and lacks detailed action plans.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The British Veterinary Association has proposed extending the neutering deadline to June 2025 for dogs under seven months of age as a prudent measure.

Question

Following the ban on XL bully dogs, owners will have applied for a certificate of exemption, so that they can keep their dog. The BVA has put forward a suggestion: given the evidence that neutering large-breed dogs before 18 months old increases risk, propose extending the deadline to June 2025 for those under seven months at 31 January 2024.

Answer from Steve Barclay

Given my hon. Friend's expertise on this issue as Parliament's only vet, I listen closely to what he proposes. As he knows, neutering is a necessary population control, and we have already responded to the greater risks to dogs of a young age by taking action to extend the deadline.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges the proposal but does not give a direct commitment to extending the deadline further as requested.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Ian Lavery Lab Blyth and Ashington
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

A constituent missed the deadline to register their XL bully dog due to personal health reasons. The legislation allows up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, and destruction of the pet.

Question

Many people genuinely could not meet the deadline due to financial or personal health issues. A specific case is mentioned where a constituent missed it for such reasons. What steps can those in this situation take to remedy?

Answer from Steve Barclay

Across the House, we all want to ensure that a proportionate approach is taken, and that people register as quickly as possible. We all see the risks in terms of harm and attacks. I am happy to look at any specific constituency case raised by the hon. Gentleman.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response avoids providing concrete steps for those who missed the deadline, instead suggesting a review on a case-by-case basis.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)