Parliament Meeting To Discuss The Issue

A new campaign calling for changes to legislation related to dangerous dogs has been welcomed by a lawyer who specialises in cases of animal bites.

MPs and politicians including London’s deputy mayor for policing Kit Malthouse are joining the likes of the RSCPA, the Metropolitan Police and trade union CWU at a cross-party meeting to discuss the growing problem of dog attacks.

It is thought that 1,700 dogs have been seized by police officers in London alone over the past 12 months, while 700 ambulance call-outs have been made in the capital in relation to dog attacks.

Such figures have raised serious concerns over whether the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is still suitable to provide protection to the public.

Katrina Elsey, an injury lawyer who regularly deals with dog attack claims for Irwin Mitchell, said: “This event could be vital in raising awareness of the many issues which exist around the legislation used to protect people from dangerous dogs.

“I’ve seen first-hand the permanent physical and emotional damage that people of all ages can suffer during dog attacks, with some even seeing their life changed dramatically by the incidences.

“One particular avenue which may need to be investigated is the introduction of compulsory insurance – a move that would ensure all animals can be identified and registered.”