Insurance plan for dogs (From Watford Observer)
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Insurance plan for dogs
10:30am Tuesday 9th March 2010 in News
Dog owners across south-west Hertfordshire could be forced to buy insurance for their pets as the Government attempts to tackle the growing number of dangerous breeds.
An amendment to the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act could also give powers to the police and councils to force owners to muzzle or neuter their pets.
The legislation currently bans four breeds of dog - the pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the dogo Argentino and the fila Brasileiro - from public places.
These animals could also be banned from private homes and owners would be forced to provide third party insurance in case they attack another dog or person, under plans suggested in a Government consultation.
Are you a dog owner? How would these plans affect you? Have you been attacked by a dog? Email mpickard@london.newsquest.co.uk or telephone 01923 216298.
Comments(5)
gusgreen
says...
2:59pm Tue 9 Mar 10
This is so badly thought out its as much use as a chocolate teaapot!
Do you really think that the morons who gode and mistreat the dogs that cause the problems will take any notice of a new law...yeh I bet.
The people who will be affected and worried most by this piece of nonsense will be old people who rely on their pooch for frienship and company and will not be able to afford the extra costs on a pension.
Families will also be streched to find the extra costs and this could,I said could, lead to more dogs being abandoned or given up with the heartbreak that could bring.
This government needs to tackle the idiots/yobs who have the "dangerous" dogs head on and not tinker with problem by tarring all dog owners with added costs.
Oh and also remember that every insurance sold under this idea nets the Government a nice slice of tax which they forgot to mention - so a nice earner for them and no effect on the problem!
phaaktier
says...
5:58pm Tue 9 Mar 10
Yet another ill concieved plan by Brown's spinmeisters.
Why not bring back the dog license and set it at £200 a year with prison for owners of unlicensed dogs and make it compulsory for dog owners to have personal liability insurance instead?
Kerching!....double whammy!
Rob Ridley
says...
6:13pm Tue 9 Mar 10
IanFBram
says...
9:40pm Tue 9 Mar 10
Now, as that is barely policed and tens of thousands continue to drive without licence, tax or insurance, how in the name of heaven can resource be found to police dog owners.
Easy. Target the older, responsible dog owners with well trained and cared for animals but who don't have the new insurance or have not paid a licence fee. i.e. the soft targets. Take no action against the obvious dog owners with dogs wearing studded collars and that look fit for a fight any time. That is what will happen.
crazyfrog says...
1:10pm Tue 9 Mar 10