100 signatures reached
To: George Eustice - Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
End Breed Specific Legislation in the UK
Bring an end to the banning of ownership of specific types of dogs based on their appearance.
Why is this important?
Regardless of breed, type or appearance, any dog has the capability to cause serious harm to a human, and since the breed specific legislation came into effect, the number of dog bites in the UK has risen. Thousand of banned type dogs currently live in the UK, exempt or otherwise, and just like any other breed, the majority are family pets who have done nothing wrong, except they are judged for the way they look.
In the UK, Pit Bulls are not recognised as a breed by the Kennel Club, and under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act, it is illegal to own Pit Bull Terrier type dogs. The Association of Professional Dog Trainers states that any dog can be dangerous, irrelevant of its breed or physical features, and that this is normally caused by a lack of, or incorrect, training.
The American Temperament Testing Society consistently ranks American Pit Bull Terriers in the top 5, above Collies and Golden Retrievers, in temperament tests.
