PROTECTION FOR COMPANION DOGS

That this House expresses concern about the number of companion pet dogs which are injured or killed in incidents with other dogs; notes that more than 60,000 dogs die each year in these incidents; expresses dismay at the trauma felt by families when their cherished pets are killed; notes that dogs are often treated as companions and family members by their owners; calls for the law to be updated to recognise the emotional stress facing dog owners who lose their pets or whose pets suffer severe injuries; and urges the Government to consider changing the law to provide the same level of protection for companion dogs as that which is currently awarded to assistance dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act.