MP calls for action against dangerous dogs after pet attacked (From Enfield Independent)
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MP David Burrowes calls for action against dangerous dogs after pet attacked in Enfield
4:20pm Monday 21st May 2012 in News
By David Hardiman, Reporter
MP David Burrowes with his Labrador Cholmeley outside Arnos Park.
An Enfield politician has backed tougher sentences for irresponsible dog owners after his pet Labrador was attacked in a park.
Enfield Southgate MP David Burrowes said Government plans to toughen dangerous dog laws and new sentencing guidelines recommending at least six months in jail for those who fail to stop their dog harming others were welcome.
Mr Burrowes was walking his dog Cholmeley in Arnos Park on May 13 when an 11-month-old Staffordshire bull terrier, which was not on a lead, attacked the Labrador and bit his two front legs, leaving him needing treatment at a vet.
He said that his experience added to a list of complaints from constituents about the problems of dangerous dogs in parks.
He added: “I am pleased that dangerous dog laws are being increased to cover attacks on legitimate visitors on private property and that the government is undertaking a consultation to assist in the identification of dogs through micro chipping.
“But more can be done beyond legislation to support responsible dog ownership. The problem primarily is not the dogs but the owners.
“We have great local parks that the majority use and enjoy responsibly. However, because of the irresponsibility of a minority of dog owners, some parks have become no go areas for families with young children and other, more responsible, dog owners.”
He backed a campaign by charity Dog’s Trust to tackle the root of the problem by working with owners, schools, police and housing associations.
He added: “Staffs can be the most great family pets and we shouldn’t demonise them, but the owners need to recognise what dogs can do and have them under proper control and on a lead.”
Last week, the Sentencing Council for England and Wales gave the first recommendations to judges for convictions under the Dangerous Dogs Act, saying that there should be more jail terms for offenders and that sentences of up to 18 months should be considered.
A petition – backed by the Enfield Independent – was handed to Prime Minister David Cameron last year, calling for stiffer penalties for owners of banned dogs and swifter justice in attack cases.
And Enfield Council launched the £38,000 Parkguard scheme to tackle dangerous dogs in the borough’s parks last summer after aggressive dogs was listed as one of the top concerns in a survey.
The project involves two dedicated patrollers spending their day tackling intimidating dogs in the borough's green spaces and teaching owners how to better control their pets.
Mr Burrowes has organised a meeting at Southgate College on July 7 in a bid to highlight the ongoing problem.
Comments(4)
Enfield Realist
says...
6:35pm Mon 21 May 12
If you were to believe everything the media puts out in regard to so called dangerous dogs you'd think that it's only Staffies that are dangerous!!
I have a staffie and he is fantastic, and incidentally he was attacked once by a Labrador just like the one that **** Burrowes owns.
How about you spend your time ridding Enfield of all those little hood rats who make life a misery for people using public transport and insist on poking each other with knives because they have different postcodes.
edmontonian1951
says...
7:44pm Mon 21 May 12
David Burrowes is quoted as saying “Staffs can be the most great family pets and we shouldn’t demonise them, but the owners need to recognise what dogs can do and have them under proper control and on a lead.” so you can't accuse either the writer of this article or the MP of saying staffies in general are dangerous.
It's those dog owners who can't or won't keep their animals under control who are dangerous!!!
Nickyboy72
says...
5:12pm Wed 30 May 12
I regularly walk my dog in this park on a daily basis, and fortunately was there when this incident occurred. The aggressor was MP Burrowes' dog. He was there with his family when the staffordshire terrier approached his dog to say a friendly hello, but MP Burrowes' dog launched an attack and came out worse off. The owner of the Staff intervened while MP Burrowes stood by idly. The man apologised and MP Burrowes replied "it's just something dogs do!"
The MP's dog is also responsible for a few attacks on one of his neighbours dog's, who I see in the park on a regular basis, and is as friendly as a dog can be.
So I ask, this being the case, who is the irresponsible owner!?!
A dog needs to be socialised from a young age, any kind of dog, and I would be willing to prove to anyone out there, it is the owner and never the dog. But you will always have an occasion where even a well socialised dog will have an off day.
My concern is, everyone blames the breed, and not the owner. As the story suggests, it was a Staff and not just a dog.
My other concern is, who will patrol the local area? I would love a job like that, but I'm sure the wardens will be selected for the wrong reason.
Enfield Realist says...
5:45pm Mon 21 May 12
If you were to believe everything the media puts out in regard to so called dangerous dogs you'd think that it's only Staffies that are dangerous!!
I have a staffie and he is fantastic, and incidentally he was attacked once by a Labrador just like the one that **** Burrowes owns.
How about you spend your time ridding Enfield of all those little hood rats who make life a misery for people using public transport and insist on poking each other with knives because they have different postcodes.