This petition is for the introduction of license laws for dogs and abolishing the long outdated dangerous dogs act. 

As a late owner (stage 4 cancer a few weeks ago after 10.5 years together) of an American Staffordshire Bull Terrier who was attacked numerous times by other dogs (labs, collies & jack russels to name breeds) and not once did he react or bite back (only on one occasion did the owner of the offending dog apologise). If that was the other way around it would be all over the papers. 

Anyway, my point is that every single dog has the potential to bite! Not just the breeds mentioned in the news. You only hear about the bigger dogs because they have a more powerful bite and unfortunately do more damage! For example, the XL Bully being the latest breed.

The benefits of a dog license would hopefully (in no particular order):

• Reduce the amount of unsuitable owners bringing unfavoured publicity on certain breeds (forever the breeds being blamed when it truly comes down to the owner!)
• Reduce the amount of dogs being surrendered to shelters or sold on social media sites etc. If you can't care for your pet it should go to a shelter where they can re-home it correctly. 
•  Assist the police and SSPCA/RSPCA in prosecuting owners found guilty of animal cruelty/backyard breeding. 
• Have mandatory dog training/socialisation requirements for the the initial adoption process as a minimum. 
• Have an approved breeders list which state the intentions of why they are breeding.

Licensing would definitely reduce the demand for all the 'backyard breeders'. This could mean breeding licenses are only issued to reputable breeders and prevent interbreeding and overbreeding, leading to health problems etc. 

A % of the dog license fee could be fed back into shelters and rescue centres to help those that really need it.

One option for dog ownership & one for wanting to breed where welfare checks are carried out etc e.g., £100 fee for a dog licence stating ownership and a £1,000 fee for breeders.

Surely this makes more sense holding owners responsible rather than banning all these breeds!