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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what information his Department holds on trends in the number of dog attacks on cats; and if he will take legislative steps to help prevent such attacks.

Defra does not hold information on the number of dog attacks on cats. Any information on the number of reported dog-on-cat attacks will be held by individual local authorities and individual police forces.

It is an offence under section 3(1) of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to allow a dog to be dangerously out of control.

We are currently working in partnership with the police, local authorities and animal welfare organisations to ensure that the full range of existing dog control powers are effectively applied to encourage responsible dog ownership and reduce the risk of dog attacks.