“BREED-FOCUSED” plans to change standards for owners of “dangerous” dogs could mean “stigmatising responsible owners”, according to a local animal welfare charity.
The JSPCA said that new laws “should avoid penalising responsible owners or causing unintended animal welfare harms”.
If approved, planned changes to the Dogs (Jersey) Law 1961 would require Islanders who own dangerous dogs to register their pet and comply with restrictions.
They would have to muzzle the animal in public, and breeding and selling them would be banned.
In a statement, the JSPCA said: “As an animal welfare organisation, along with the safety of Islanders, the welfare of animals is our priority.
“We understand the concerns that have prompted this proposal, and we also recognise that an effective dog-safety policy is complex.
“Any proposals must be welfare-led and consider all aspects of responsibility, from breeding and ownership to adoption and behaviour-based assessments.
“Our concern for a breed-focused approach could mean stigmatising responsible owners and well-behaved dogs.”
The animal shelter added: “We believe Jersey has an opportunity to lead with a more evidence-based, enforceable, and proportionate proposal, and should avoid penalising responsible owners or causing unintended animal welfare harms. Our views are in line with the Dogs Trust, BVA, Blue Cross and the RSPCA.
“We are committed to working constructively with the States Vet and Government of Jersey, as well as community partners to help develop policies that keep Islanders safe while also safeguarding animal welfare.”
Speaking to a panel of politicians at a recent Scrutiny panel hearing, States Vet Susana Ramos confirmed that litters of XL bullies had been born in Jersey over the past year.
A petition opposing the proposed restrictions on XL bully-type dogs has gathered 591 signatures, arguing that there hadn’t been any fatal incidents in Jersey.
But Ms Ramos said during the hearing: “These dogs have the ability to cause bigger harm because of the way they are bred and because of their physiology, strength and ability to bite… You shouldn’t have to wait for a fatality to act.”
