Call for Parliament to unite on dog bill

Friday's horrific dog attack on a seven-year old girl in Auckland must move all Parliamentarians to push for law changes to help prevent such tragedies, says National MP Dr Paul Hutchison.

"Only 10 days ago I called on the Government to quadruple the penalties after two young boys were horrifically attacked in South Auckland.

"A dog attack is every parent's worst nightmare, yet most attacks are preventable.

"My personal view is that every dog with an identifiable dangerous trait should be neutered, kept under the highest security or destroyed.

"Over the years private member bills from both sides of the House have been presented on dangerous dogs but nothing has happened. The fact that the Local Government Reform Bill (no.2), which tightens the law is languishing on the order paper shows the need for Parliamentarians to act before there is another tragedy.

"Our hearts go out to the parents involved. It's time for the soft talk about owners rights to end, and for their accountability to be enforced," said Dr Hutchison.

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