What additional offense does the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, amended in 2014, specify?

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, as amended in 2014, specifically includes the offense of a dog attacking an assistance dog. This amendment highlights the importance of protecting assistance dogs, which play a vital role in supporting individuals with disabilities. Assistance dogs are trained to provide help in various ways, and an attack on such a dog can not only endanger the animal but can also impact the well-being of the person reliant on that dog for assistance.

By criminalizing attacks on assistance dogs, the legislation recognizes the need for the safety and security of these specially trained animals, thereby promoting a safer environment for both the dogs and the individuals they assist. This amendment underscores the legal responsibility of dog owners to ensure their dogs do not pose a threat to assistance dogs, reflecting broader societal values regarding the protection of service animals.