Urgent steps needed over dog control laws

The quickest way to deal with legislation to toughen up laws around dog control is for the Government to allow an existing Bill to be debated immediately, National says.

National MP Dr Paul Hutchison says he supports the Government's move to refer legislation that would ban dangerous dog breeds - the Local Government Law Reform Bill (No 2) - back to the Local Government Select Committee, but that National instead wants the Bill debated immediately.

Tomorrow he will seek leave when Parliament resumes to move the Bill to the top of the order paper so it can be debated immediately.

"This is the quickest way for new legislation around dangerous dogs to be dealt with. This Bill will be delayed if it goes back to the select committee as the Government proposes.

"Parliament is able to take urgent steps to address serious issues when they arise, and in this case people are desperate to see something enacted straight away.

"If this Bill is moved up the order paper for debate National would ensure that this legislation has a speedy passage through Parliament.

"We will propose several amendments to the Bill, with a focus on the responsibilities of owners in particular. Regardless of the breed of a dog, the onus is always on the owner to keep it under control," Dr Hutchison said.

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