Animal Welfare (Responsibility for Dog on Dog Attacks) Bill

Key Points

• Creates a legal duty on dog owners or those in charge to prevent fatal harm to other dogs.
• Requires taking 'reasonable steps' to reduce the risk of lethal dog-on-dog attacks, with the bill outlining what counts as reasonable.
• Applies to all dogs and those responsible for them, with enforcement provisions and penalties to be set out in the legislation.
• Sponsored by Dr Luke Evans and currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons; if it progresses, it will move to committee scrutiny.
• Policy area: animal welfare.

Progress

The bill had its first reading in October 2024 and is now at the 2nd reading in the Commons; it would move through committee, report, and Lords stages if it passes.