DOG charities have come together to put an end to 'doggy death row' by demanding legislation made thirty years ago under the Dangerous Dogs Act be changed. 

The RSPCA has teamed up Battersea, Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association, Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club in a bid to lobby for changes to Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act, which applies breed specific legislation prohibiting the keeping of four types of dogs.

Chief executive Chris Sherwood said: "It's been 30 years since the Dangerous Dogs Act was introduced on 12 August 1991. It was brought in to keep the public safe following a number of tragic incidents involving dogs but was never well thought-out or based on scientific evidence.

"Since then, thousands of innocent dogs have lost their lives simply because they happen to look a certain way and not because of their temperament or behaviour.

"Hospital admissions due to dog bites have increased dramatically in that time which means the legislation has failed, not only to protect dog welfare, but also to keep people safe."

The 'cruel' legislation prohibits the keeping, breeding, selling or giving away of four breeds - French Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro.

A county vet says he backs the bid to change the legislation as many of these dogs are cross-bred, which means they are euthanised based solely on how they look rather than their temperament. 

Jon Slattery from Best Friends Veterinary Surgery on Worcester Road, Malvern, said: "I agree that the legislation is 30 years old and does not reflect current dog ownership.

"There has been an explosion of crossing different breeds such that there are almost as many ‘cross breeds’ as ‘pure breeds’ now. 

"Just going on how the dog looks does many animals an injustice as they will be far removed from their ancestors, whom the legislation was designed for many years ago.

"Instead I believe that legislation should focus on responsible dog ownership on an individual case by case basis with harsh penalties for the owners who are repeat offenders."

Between 2016 and 2021, Battersea, Blue Cross and RSPCA were forced to euthanise 482 dogs because they'd been identified by police dog legislation officers as prohibited types. 

Many of these were friendly, loving dogs who could have easily been rehomed to families, the charities say. 

What do you think of the legislation?