Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how and when the Government plans to evaluate the effectiveness of measures under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to prevent attacks by dogs on other animals.

The 2014 Act makes important changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, in particular the provision of a specific offence of a dog attack on an assistance dog. The police are working closely with charities that support assisted persons to ensure effective implementation of the new offence. In addition, Government is keen to maximise the effectiveness of the new anti-social behaviour powers and their use by practitioners in relation to dog control and welfare. Government will monitor the practical implementation of the new powers and will keep their operation under close review with our partners. As with all new legislation, Government will have to carry out post-legislative scrutiny 3-5 years after Royal Assent.