MERSEYSIDE POLICE DANGEROUS DOG AMNESTY

Link to Newspaper coverage
http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/liverpoolecho/news/echonews/tm_headline=dogs-on-death-row-are-freed%26method=full%26objectid=18691015%26siteid=50061-name_page.html#story_continue

KC RESPONSE.
THE KENNEL CLUB RESPONSE TO THE MERSEYSIDE POLICE DANGEROUS DOG AMNESTY
VERDICT
'Excellent News! Now Let's Open Up The Register Nationally To Responsible
Dog Owners!'

The Kennel Club was present at Merseyside Magistrates Court over the last two days to hear the evidence presented by Merseyside Police regarding the cases of alleged Pit Bull Terrier 'type' dogs seized as part of the Police 'amnesty', which the Kennel Club has referred to as a dog cull.

The amnesty did nothing to address the primary issues of irresponsible dog ownership and 'dealing with the deed, not the breed' as it only affected responsible owners and their much loved pet dogs, who have been persecuted
simply for how they look.

Having sat through one and a half days of prosecution evidence and accusation, that was expertly defended by Barrister Pam Rose, who had been briefed by the Kennel Club and was acting on behalf of the owners, the
presiding District Judge concluded that she was aware that an uncontrolled Pit Bull can cause harm, but was satisfied that the owners of these dogs could not be categorised and were all responsible. She added that the Index of Exempted Dogs will now be opened so that these dogs can be registered,
provided that the requirements of registration are met, such as neutering, microchipping, muzzling and the dogs kept on a lead in public.

Said Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, "This is an excellent result for the dogs and we feel fully vindicated, as, ever since Merseyside Constabulary announced their proposals, we have been calling for the Index to be opened. We will now be lobbying the Government to open up the register and will continue our work on the flawed Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to make owners more liable for the actions of their dogs."

Caroline concluded, "So far the combined efforts of the Kennel Club, Deed Not Breed, Fury Defence Fund and many other concerned dog lovers has resulted in a fantastic outcome, but we must not be complacent, as the
battle is not over".

28th February

For further information please contact
Press Office
020 7518 1008
press.office@thekennelclub.org.uk
www.thekennelclub.org.uk

Credit to Member Pamela Rose - we are very proud of her...