Latest news with #DangerousDogAct
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- South Wales Argus
XL Bully ban failing says RSPCA after Gwent dog attacks
The charity argues that the ban, introduced in 2023, under the Dangerous Dogs Act, has not reduced attacks or fatalities, and is instead leading to the unnecessary euthanasia of many dogs. The call for reform comes nearly four years after the death of 10-year-old Jack Lis from Caerphilly, who was killed by an XL Bully named Beast in November 2021. The dog's owner was later jailed, but the RSPCA says breed-specific legislation is not protecting the public and is urging the UK Government to review its approach. Jack Lis was killed by an XL Bully named Beast in 2021 (Image: NQ) Dr Samantha Gaines, head of companion animals at the RSPCA, said: "This data paints a predictable and depressing picture – with the change in legislation meaning high numbers of XL Bully dogs are being seized and put to sleep. "Many of these dogs will have been much-loved family pets; their existence made illegal by a change of legislation focussed purely on how a dog looks rather than their behaviour." The charity says the current law, which focuses on the appearance of a dog rather than its temperament or actions, is ineffective. In September 2023, the UK Government announced its intention to ban the XL Bully breed. By December 2023, it became illegal to breed, sell, advertise, or give away an XL Bully, and as of February 1, 2024, ownership without an exemption certificate became a criminal offence. Since the ban, police forces across England and Wales have seized large numbers of suspected banned dogs. Of the 1,035 dogs seized in 2024 by 19 police forces, 674 (more than 65 per cent) were identified as XL Bullies. XL Bullies have been banned in the UK since late 2023 (Image: PA)The charity says this figure is likely much higher across all 43 police forces. The impact on the animal welfare sector has also been severe. Figures from the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes show that 693 dogs were euthanised in 2024 because of the legislation—more than three times the 201 in 2023, and more than eight times the 80 in 2022. Despite the ban, dog-related fatalities have not decreased. There were ten reported deaths in 2024, higher than in any full year before the ban was first announced. Dr Gaines said: "It is absolutely heart breaking that dog fatalities and serious bite incidents are continuing and in very concerning numbers – which underlines that the Dangerous Dog Act simply isn't working, and hasn't been for 34 years. "The UK Government urgently needs to adopt a different approach; focussed instead on preventing dangerous behaviours rather than focussing on the dog's individual breed. "The law has been failing dogs and, crucially, public safety too for long. "It's time for decision makers to review the current dog control situation and commit to measures which effectively protect public safety and safeguard dog welfare." The RSPCA is calling for a full review of the Dangerous Dogs Act and the introduction of measures that prioritise responsible ownership and behaviour-based controls. The charity says the current "patchwork" of data highlights the need for more consistent and complete information to inform public safety and animal welfare strategies. Dr Gaines said: "The patchwork of data provided by police forces shows an increase in the numbers of dogs being seized, and put to sleep – but this is not the only area where data is lacking. "We clearly need far more consistent, detailed recording about dog bites, and monitoring of dangerous dog incidents. "In the absence of this information we are unable to fully understand the scale of dog bites and their causal factors, nor to inform effective public health and safety strategies. "Given the importance of this issue, we urgently need a more complete picture." In Gwent, where 10-year-old Jack Lis was killed, police have only been able to provide dog control figures dating back to 2018. Ruth Jones has said dangerous dog data in Gwent is incomplete (Image: NQ) There have also been concerns raised by Newport West and Islwyn MP Ruth Jones about the lack of consistent and accessible data. The MP argued that the data "is inconsistent and incomplete". Other incidents in Gwent have also raised concerns about dangerous dogs. Yuki was left with injuries that required nearly £20k of treatment after an attack by an XL Bully (Image: NQ) A Pomeranian Japanese Spitz named Yuki was attacked by an XL Bully, leaving her with injuries that required £20,000 in veterinary treatment. The RSPCA and other members of the Dog Control Coalition are calling for laws that focus on dog behaviour and responsible ownership, rather than breed. XL Bullies can only be legally kept if owners obtained an exemption certificate by the end of January 2024, and if the dog is muzzled in all public places. For more information on the RSPCA's campaign against breed-specific legislation, visit the RSPCA website.
Daily Mirror
02-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Mum told 999 son, 3, had been 'ripped to pieces' after dog attack at farm
Daniel Twigg, three, died after being attacked by two dogs at a farm in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. His parents Mark Twigg and Joanne Bedford are now on trial A mum told a 999 operator that her three-year-old son had been "ripped to pieces" after being attacked by two dogs at a farm, a court has heard. Daniel Twigg suffered "severe damage" to his neck in the incident on May 15, 2022, jurors were told. The court heard the little boy had "suffered massive internal and likely plentiful external bleeding" and later died from his injuries. The child entered a pen before being attacked by two dogs named Sid and Tiny, weighing around 50kg each, prosecutors said. The child's parents, Mark Twigg and Joanne Bedford, from Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, both deny manslaughter and offences under the Dangerous Dog Act. They are now on trial at Manchester Crown Court. Jurors previously heard Mr Twigg and Ms Bedford had a "long association" with Carr Farm on Tunshill Lane, Rochdale, which belonged to Daniel's godfather, Matthew Brown. The court was told that Mr Twigg was an "odd job man" and worked for Mr Brown. Jurors were told it was agreed Mr Twigg and Ms Bedford would live there to tend to the animals by "feeding them, watering them and ensuring that their living conditions were acceptable," it was said. There were a variety of dog breeds on the property including an American Bulldog, German Shepherd and Tibetan Mastiff, the jury heard. Yesterday, jurors were shown CCTV of the incident in which Daniel was seen entering the pen where he was attacked. Prosecutor John Elvidge KC said: "He was only in view for a few seconds before he disappeared at the same time as the sudden and persistent activity in the adjacent pen, when Ted [a German Shepherd] was aroused by the attack on Daniel. "It was almost 20 minutes later, at 1.09 pm that Joanne Bedford telephoned for an ambulance saying 'the dog just killed him... he's ripped him to pieces.' The paramedics arrived at Carr Farm at 1.23pm, less than 15 minutes after the emergency call was made." Daniel went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital. He sadly died hours later, the court heard. The prosecutor said while the circumstances around the attack are unclear, the boy was "alone and unsupervised at the time and able to enter the yard." Pathologist Dr Phillip Lumb recorded the medical cause of death as "head and neck injuries (dog bites)." The court heard one of the dogs, Sid, was shot at the scene by dog handlers, with a post-mortem examination showing the animal hadn't eaten for 12 to 24 hours before he was shot. Greater Manchester Police analyst Charlotte McKnee said the force received a number of calls and police logs of incidents relating to the dogs. Defence counsel Andrew Thomas KC, representing Mr Twigg, said: "You must be sure of truly exceptionally bad negligence. You must be sure of a serious and obvious risk of death, not just a risk of biting. "Sid and Tiny were not their dogs. They only came to live there after a breakdown in relationship and Mr Brown being arrested. Daniel was not free to wander into the pen. To open the pen it was necessary to reach through the gate and slide the bolt across. Mr Twigg was not there when Daniel was killed. He left for work four hours earlier and left him in the care of his mother." Twigg and Bedford deny the offences. The trial continues.
Scotsman
02-07-2025
- Scotsman
Dogs and Postal Workers: As dog attacks on posties increase, here's expert advice for dog owners
Dogs are great - but you can't trust them to deliver letters. | Canva/Getty Images Dogs and postal workers don't always mix well. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Postal workers play a vital role in our communities, delivering letters and parcels to millions every day. Yet, more of them are facing risks from dog attacks on their rounds - incidents that disrupt essential services and can cause serious injuries and lasting emotional impact. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Figures from the Royal Mail show that dog attacks on postal workers are up 2 per cent on last year, with 2,197 incidents recorded - that's an average of 42 per week - leading to 74 major injuries. While most dog owners act responsibly, many aren't aware of the simple habits that could make a big difference in keeping postal workers safe. Chris Maxted, director of retractable dog gate supplier Dog-G8 , shares practical tips that can help protect postal workers and prevent these attacks from happening. Chris explained: 'Under the Dangerous Dog Act, owners can be prosecuted if their dogs harm postal workers, including bites through letterboxes. It is every dog owner's responsibility to prevent their pets from causing harm. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Some owners mistakenly believe that signs warning delivery workers to keep out remove their responsibility, but this is not true. Delivery staff have a legal right to access properties safely to carry out their duties.' Here's how dog owners can help. Install a retractable front door gate Installing a retractable front door safety gate is a simple yet highly effective way to protect both delivery workers and your dog. About a third of all dog attacks on postal workers happen at the front door, making this an area that requires extra attention. Front door retractable gates are designed to be versatile and easy to use, attaching to any type of front door. They allow you to accept parcels, carry shopping, or enter your home without worrying about dashes, escapes, or unexpected encounters at the door. This creates a secure barrier while still allowing your dog to see and hear what's happening, which reduces stress and creates a sense of control for the dog, minimising the risk of aggressive behaviour.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Secure your dog before opening the door Simple measures such as securing your dog in another room or the back garden before opening the door can make a big difference. About a third of all attacks happen at the front door, so take precautions before answering. Have an external mailbox Installing a secure mailbox prevents dogs from biting through letter slots. For properties with both front and back gardens, make sure these areas are securely separated to stop dogs from encountering delivery staff. Check your fences Check your fences regularly to make sure dogs can't jump over or dig under them. Even if the delivery is not for your home, dogs may view nearby postal workers as a threat. Take extra care during warmer months Warmer weather means open doors and gardens where dogs roam freely, increasing the risk. Always check that your dog is secure before a postal worker arrives. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Encouraging non-territorial behaviour
