We, the undersigned, call upon the Government to abolish the outdated and ineffective Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) and replace it with a robust and comprehensive system that prioritizes public safety, animal welfare, and responsible dog ownership.

 
Why Change is Necessary
The current legislation, including the Dangerous Dogs Act, has proven inadequate in addressing the rising number of dog attacks and incidents involving poorly controlled pets. Breed-specific legislation (BSL) unfairly targets certain breeds while ignoring the broader issue of irresponsible ownership and poorly trained dogs. Meanwhile, parks and public spaces are increasingly unsafe due to untrained, off-lead dogs under the control of inattentive or uninformed owners.

Without significant reform, the public—and our pets—will remain at risk. The proposed changes will create a fair, breed-neutral system that focuses on education, accountability, and safe public spaces for everyone.

 
What We Are Calling For
We urge the Government to replace the current legislation with a more robust system that includes the following measures:

 
1. Mandatory Licensing and Competence Testing for Dog Ownership
Introduce a licensing system requiring all prospective dog owners to: Pass a written test on basic canine behaviour, training principles, and care.
Demonstrate practical competence in safely handling and controlling a dog.
Conduct suitability checks for prospective owners, including background checks to prevent those with violent or animal cruelty convictions from owning dogs.
 
2. Mandatory Training and Socialization Programs
Require all dog owners to enrol their pets in accredited training programs covering: Basic obedience, including recall and safe leash walking.
Socialization skills to prevent dog-on-dog aggression and ensure safe interactions with people.
Provide certification tied to the owner’s license, with renewals contingent upon maintaining training standards.
 
3. Enhanced Control in Public Spaces
Mandate that dogs are kept on a lead in public unless they have passed a public behaviour test demonstrating reliable recall and safe social behaviour.
Designate and enforce off-lead areas in parks with clear signage and proper fencing.
Introduce fines for owners whose dogs are found off-lead in restricted areas or whose dogs behave disruptively.
 
4. Breed-Neutral Dangerous Dog Policies
Abolish breed-specific legislation and adopt a breed-neutral approach that holds owners accountable for any dog’s aggressive behaviour.
Impose harsher penalties for owners of dogs involved in attacks, including fines, mandatory retraining, or bans on ownership for repeat offenders.
 
6. Nationwide Education Campaigns
Launch government-funded campaigns to educate the public on responsible dog ownership, emphasizing: The importance of training and socialization.
The risks associated with poorly controlled off-lead dogs.
Use schools, community centres, and veterinary clinics to spread this information widely.
 
10. Community Solutions to Support Responsible Ownership
Establish free or subsidized training workshops for low-income owners to make responsible ownership accessible to everyone.
Create and maintain safe, supervised local dog parks to provide controlled environments for off-lead play.
Encourage community involvement by fostering peer accountability among dog owners.
 
How These Changes Will Benefit the UK
Public Safety: Reduce the number of dog attacks and dangerous incidents in public spaces.
Animal Welfare: Ensure all dogs receive proper care, training, and socialization.
Fairness: Replace ineffective breed-specific laws with policies that target behaviour, not breed.
Community Well-being: Create safer, more enjoyable spaces for dog owners and non-owners alike.

Accountability: Provide pet owners with the knowledge and skills to take accountability for their pets.
 
Sign the Petition
We urge the Government to act now to address the shortcomings of the current legislation and adopt this comprehensive, modern approach to dog ownership and public safety.

Together, we can create a safer, fairer environment for everyone while promoting responsible pet ownership and protecting our beloved canine companions.

Sign this petition to demand change!