Moved by
Baroness Smith of Basildon
56LF: Before Clause 98, insert the following new Clause—
“Risk assessment of seized dogs
(1) The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 5 (seizure, entry of premises and evidence) after subsection (3) there is inserted—
“(3A) Following seizure of a dog for an offence under section 1, 2 or 3 of this Act, within 48 hours of seizure the animal must be assessed to determine whether—
(a) it is a prohibited type of dog, and/or
(b) behaviourally risk assessed by a suitably qualified behaviourist to determine whether it can be released with or without conditions placed on its management by its owner or keeper, such conditions can include but are not limited to—
(i) keeping the dog on a lead when in public;
(ii) keeping the dog muzzled when in public.
(3B) Reasons must be given for a decision not to release the dog.””