title: Dog owners' perceptions of breed-specific dangerous dog legislation in the UK.
abstract: The aim of this study was to identify both the level and source of knowledge that dog owners in the UK have of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. In order to acquire such information a questionnaire was designed and distributed using two main methods over a period of five months. Questionnaires were distributed via three pet-related online forums and by hand at two locations within five predefined areas in England. In total, 459 responses were received. Of these, 21.4 per cent were unable to name a single type of banned dog and 81.9 per cent of respondents agreed that information on dog legislation was not publicised enough. The knowledge of banned breeds among the dog owners surveyed was low and respondents expressed a desire to see the law relating to dangerous dogs in the UK either changed or improved.
authors.affiliation: The Kennel Club, 1-5 Clarges Street, London W1J 8AB, UK. James_Oxley1@hotmail.com
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Oxley
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Farr
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: De Luna
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010067:Ownership; D010465:Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult