Animal Welfare (Responsibility for Dog Attacks) Bill

Key Points

• Introduces a new legal duty on the person in charge of a dog to prevent fatal attacks on other dogs.
• Requires taking all reasonable steps to ensure a dog does not fatally injure another dog.
• Amends the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to reflect this duty and related purposes.
• Applies to dog owners and others responsible for a dog, such as walkers, carers, kennels and rescue organisations.
• The bill is currently at its first reading in the House of Commons; further stages will follow the parliamentary timetable.

Progress

The Bill has been introduced and is at the first reading in the House of Commons; it has not yet progressed to second reading or committee stage.