June 2022
Dear Constituent,
Thank you for writing to me regarding Breed Specific Legislation (BSL).
As you mentioned, following the publication of the recent Middlesex University report, which was commissioned by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Government established the responsible dog ownership project. This looks at strengthening enforcement; developing and supporting education initiatives; improving the quality and accessibility of dog training; and the importance of data collection across the system. I understand that this project is expected to conclude its work in 2023.
I am aware that the Government must balance the views of those who want BSL repealed, such as yourself, with ministers’ responsibility to protect the public. It is my understanding that the Government considers that repealing the breed-specific provisions without making other changes would not help public safety. However, I understand that the responsible dog ownership project will explore these issues more widely, and that the Government will always try to ensure that public safety remains paramount.
I do appreciate your strength of feeling on this matter, and I do think that it should be kept under close and regular review.
Thank you again for writing to me.
With best wishes.
Kind regards,
Jonathan Lord MP
Member of Parliament for Woking