Sarah Dyke, the MP for Somerton and Frome and the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Glastonbury and Somerton, met with representatives of Blue Cross, the animal welfare charity, at an event in Westminster to call for responsible dog ownership and a complete reform of existing dog control legislation.

Whilst the government introduced measures to ban XL bully type dogs in October last year, a new report from Blue Cross argues that the current approach of banning breeds, "with a lack of supporting detailed evidence", will not solve the problem.

Blue Cross says it is united with other animal charities, including Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs Trust, the RSPCA, BVA and PDSA, in opposing bans on individual breeds or types of dog.

Blue Cross is calling for:

• A complete overhaul of existing dog control legislation, to create one consolidated Bill underpinned by research into the prevalence and causes of dog bites and attacks and the creation of a centralised database to record information on dog bites, levels of severity and circumstances of incidents.
• The introduction of dog licensing with guidance and regulations and the fee to be invested back into improving dog control.
• More effective and comprehensive enforcement of current dog breeding and control regulations. Far too many dogs suffer due to unscrupulous breeders, dealers and traders, who prioritise profit over welfare. 

Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton and Frome, said: "As a dog owner myself, I believe better dog control legislation is essential.

"We need to stop people who breed dogs for the wrong reasons being able to get them, and to educate responsible owners on how best to care for their dog.

"Breed Specific Legislation has not done enough to stop horrific dog attacks, and a new approach is needed."

Becky Thwaites, Head of Public Affairs at Blue Cross, said: "We invited MPs along to hear about how we believe that through collaboration and support we can, together, improve responsible dog ownership with emphasis being made on dog owners rather than demonising any particular breed."