Update the dangerous dogs act to specifically protect horses
Dog owners to face penalties proportionate to the incident if their dog causes a nuisance to, terrorises or attacks a horse when in public. Introduce a leash law for dogs when in the presence of horses to reduce incidents and injuries for the horses, horse riders, dogs and wider public.
Signatures
20,712
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 10,000/10,000 · reached
Debate threshold (100,000) · 20,712/100,000
- 22 MAY 2025Petition closedFinal total: 20,712 signatures
- 25 FEB 2025Government respondedDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsGovernment reply
The police and local authorities already have a range of powers available to tackle dangerous dogs and irresponsible dog ownership, including dog attacks on other animals.
Read full response - 31 JAN 202510,000 signatures reachedEligible for a government response
- 22 NOV 2024Petition opened for signatures
Background
We believe current legislation does not give sufficiently clear guidance when it comes to dog attacks on horses, which we think leaves a grey area many equestrians have fallen into with little to no help from the police. In our view, out of control dogs and dog attacks are becoming more frequent as the dog population grows, putting many lives at risk.