Dangerous Dogs - about the petition

Existing law is failing to tackle issues associated with the growing problem of dangerous dogs in London. The law needs to protect people from attack, fear, intimidation and, in some cases, being mauled to death.

The petition was launched in August 2010 and since then thousands of people have signed to show their support. The petition was presented to Downing Street on 31st May 2011 calling on the government to tackle the menace of dangerous dogs in London.

In the past year, 1,072 dogs have been seized by the Met and 80 per cent were identified as dangerous breeds prohibited by law.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has been witnessing an increase in the numbers of dogs cruelly bred and used for fighting coming into the charity with appalling injuries.

A Greater London Authority survey in 2010 found 43 per cent of Londoners are concerned about nuisance or dangerous dogs in their local parks.

Deputy Mayor for policing Kit Malthouse, who handed in the petition, said:

'We’ve had over 4,500 signatures to our petition calling on the government to act which proves that people do not feel that enough is being done to protect them.

'The message is plain and clear - the government needs to act urgently to protect Londoners and their pets from savage attacks by weapon dogs. Unless legislation is toughened up, these attacks will continue. Certain breeds are used and trained to be used as weapons and should carry the same penalties as other weapons, such as knives.'

Dangerous Dogs Petition