Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of strengthening the law to protect domestic cats from dog attacks.

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it is an offence for any dog to be dangerously out of control in any place. Crown Prosecution Service guidance indicates that attacks on other animals, including cats, may amount to a dog being dangerously out of control, particularly where a person is injured or may be injured. Owners may face imprisonment for up to 14 years and be banned from owning a dog. Enforcement following dog attacks is a matter for the police.

This Government keeps dog control legislation under review and works with the police, local authorities and animal welfare organisations to promote responsible ownership, support enforcement, improve public education and strengthen data on dog attacks.