Swansea East Assembly Member Mike Hedges has welcomed a commitment from the Welsh Government to bring in new legislation to deal with the control of dangerous dogs in Wales.
Speaking in the Chamber during a short members debate on dangerous dogs, the Minister for Environment, John Griffiths, stated that the Welsh Government will be meeting with interested groups and parties over the next nine months to take forward this work with the aim of bring in new legislation relating to the control dangerous dogs as soon as possible.
The short debate was raised by Cardiff North Assembly Member Julie Morgan, who has been campaigning for the compulsory micro-chipping of all dogs in Wales after the son of a constituent was savagely attacked by a dog. During the short debate, the Swansea East AM made a contribution highlighting his support for the proposal.
Speaking from outside the Chamber, Mike Hedges AM, said:
“It’s concerning to think that a member of the public or a postal worker is attacked by a dog around three times a week in Wales, and those are only the reported incidents we know about.
“Compulsory micro-chipping has the potential to benefit both the owners of a dog as well as member of the public. For instance, when a dog gets lost, the micro-chip will help owners locate the dog but will also lead to the real owner being found to take responsibility, should an attack or dispute occur.
“I’m delighted to be supporting this campaign and I’m also pleased that the Welsh Government have accepted the need to take action in this area to help prevent any further attacks on members of the public and postal workers.”
During the Plenary debate, Environment Minister John Griffiths AM stated:
“We are working to manage and control the problem of dangerous dogs focussing particularly on what can be done using new legislation.
“Whilst the aim of new legislation would be to prevent injury to people and protect children, it would also incorporate the principles of our Animal Health and Welfare Strategy.
“Any dog can be dangerous, and dog training, socialisation and the responsibilities of dog owners all play a key part in ensuing that dogs do not pose a danger. In developing any new proposals, these issues must be borne in mind.”
