London, 23rd May 2023
Today (Tuesday 23rd May) Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation (CAWF) Patron Anna Firth MP led the First Reading of her new Private Members Bill, the Animal Welfare (Responsibility for Dog Attacks) Bill.
The Bill is informally named ‘Emilie’s Law’ after Anna Firth MP’s constituent Michael’s bichon frise Emilie (affectionately known as Millie) who lost her life to a dog attack in 2021 at a park in Leigh-on-Sea. It will criminalise fatal dog-on-dog attacks in England, ensuring that irresponsible dog owners are held to account.
Emilie’s Law is sponsored by a number of leading MPs across parties, including the Rt Hon. Mark Francois MP, Sir Oliver Heald MP, Henry Smith MP, Selaine Saxby MP, Wayne David MP and Margaret Ferrier MP. During today’s First Reading Anna Firth MP said: “Laws protecting dogs from attacks have been strengthened considerably in recent years, but it remains the case that a dog owner is not liable to any form of criminal prosecution when their dog fatally attacks or seriously injures another dog, unless the other dog is a guide or assistance dog or unless a human is injured or fears for their safety.” She added that “placing the burden of responsibility fairly and squarely on the person in charge of the dog at the time will have a deterrent effect”.
Following this, supportive MPs gathered on the steps of Westminster Hall to show support for the Bill receiving its Second Reading later this year.
Above: MPs gather in Parliament to support the First Reading of Emilie’s Law
The new legislation will address a key gap in the law. As it currently stands, a dog owner is not liable for any form of prosecution when their dog fatally attacks another dog. The only exemptions are if the injured pet is an assistance or a service dog, or unless another human is injured or attacked or there are grounds for reasonable apprehension that they might be at risk.
There has been a significant growth in the number of dog attacks in the UK. In the five years between 2016 and 2021 there was a 700% increase in dog-on-dog attacks, rising to 11,559 from just 1,700.
Anna Firth MP appeared on GB News this morning highlighting the First Reading today, which you can watch below.
Emilie’s Law was launched on 10th May at a drop-in reception in Parliament held by Anna Firth. The launch was covered by The Express here, and includes a comment piece from Anna Firth here.
Anna Firth MP, Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation Patron, commented: “Today marks an important day in the advancement of animal welfare, as we take the first step in securing critical legislation to criminalise fatal dog-on-dog attacks.
“I was delighted to lead the First Reading of Emilie’s Law in honour of my constituent Michael and his beautiful bichon frise dog who was tragically killed in a dog attack in my constituency. Together with the support of MPs across parties, I hope that we can enable bereaved dog owners like Michael to seek justice when their dog is fatally attacked by another dog. I would like to thank the MPs, NGOs and media who attended the First Reading and turned out today to express their support for Emilie’s Law.”
Mark Francois MP, sponsor of Emilie’s Law, commented: “I am pleased to give my wholehearted support to this Bill led by Anna Firth MP who is heroically continuing the legacy of Sir David Amess and his unwavering commitment to advancing animal welfare. Dogs are man’s best friend, yet when they are killed by another dog there is currently no recourse for owners under the law.”
Henry Smith MP, Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation Patron and sponsor of Emilie’s Law, commented: “Emilie’s Law is about justice for the many dogs who lose their lives each year at the hands of irresponsible dog owners with no legal consequence. Dog attacks are on the rise and clearly something must be done to ensure owners are held accountable when their dog fatally attacks another. I am proud to be a sponsor of this Bill today and look forward to support its passage through the House of Commons.”
Margaret Ferrier, Independent MP and sponsor of Emilie’s Law, commented: “Animal welfare is truly an issue that unites MPs across the House, and is recognised right across the political spectrum. I am proud to support efforts to enable owners like Michael to seek justice and incentivise responsible dog ownership, potentially preventing thousands of dogs from suffering the same fate as Emilie.”
Lorraine Platt, Co-Founder of Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, commented: “Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation is delighted to support the First Reading of Emilie’s Law today led by our Patron Anna Firth MP. Pet dogs provide loving companionship for millions across the UK, yet there is no law to enforce justice when a dog is fatally attacked by another. We hope Emilie’s Law will incentivise responsible dog ownership and help to prevent such devastating attacks in the future.”
About Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation (CAWF)
The Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation was established in 2016 to raise awareness on the lives of billions of animals reared on intensive farms around the world and how this impact upon animal welfare, the environment and people’s health. We want to highlight the action people can take to help advance farm animal welfare.
Animal welfare is an increasing concern amongst the public, who frequently look to Government to take the lead in both maintaining and improving standards.
The Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation believes it is highly important that the welfare of farm animals is placed at the forefront of the Governments plan for food and farming along with its focus on productivity, competitiveness, and technology.
Media contact: Sophia Stileman (sophia.stileman@conservativeanimalwelfarefoundation.org)
