Registration scheme for dangerous dogs discussed

Under proposals breeds like the XL bully would have to be registered with the government

Jersey's constables say they want to change the law on dangerous dogs before anybody gets seriously hurt.

One of those changes would be tighter controls on breeds such as the XL bully, which have been linked to attacks and deaths in other countries.

In a scrutiny meeting on Friday, the States Vet Susana Ramos said she did not want Jersey people to be injured.

She said Jersey has "the opportunity to act to prevent" serious incidents.

Last year Jersey banned XL bully dogs from being imported without a special licence following an "increasing number of attacks by dogs" in the UK.

The proposals include a registration scheme for dangerous dogs, and owners to be banned from selling or giving them away.

Owners would also need public liability insurance and it would be an offence to own a dangerous dog unless it is registered with the States Veterinary Officer.

The proposed changes could also mean that people in Jersey might not have to put their address on their dog's name tag in future - because of concerns over data protection.

In 1961, it became a legal requirement to have addresses on dog tags so owners could be found easily.

Sue de Gruchy, the secretary to the Constables Committee, said times have changed since phone numbers were added in 2016.

She said: "By including the dog licence, which is now a fixed number for that dog, it would be possible for the parish to find the address."