Allister calls for an end to dogfighting
10 October 2007
Today in the European Parliament in Brussels, Jim Allister MEP spearheaded a campaign to put an end to dogfighting in the European Union. Mr Allister was appalled by the recent Panorama documentary which brought to light the extent of the cruel practice in Northern Ireland. Having already made representations to the European Commission on the subject, the Euro MP launched a Written Declaration which describes dogfighting as barbaric and illegitimate and calls on the Commission to ensure that the "sport" is stamped out within the EU.
Speaking at the launch of the declaration, Mr Allister said:-
"Dogfighting can only be described as gruesome, savage and wholly unnecessary. There is no logical reason that can explain the practice of training dogs to be killed. I was disgusted by the revelations made by the BBC documentary earlier this year and I hope that other MEPs will join me in the fight to bring this illegal activity to an end.
Dogs as young as ten months old are being trained to fight other dogs. They are usually baited with puppies, cats and other small animals throughout their training to strengthen their viciousness. Fights last on average one hour but may last up to and over two hours coming to an end only when one dog can no longer continue.
A further issue highlighted in the declaration is that of pet passports. Not only can passports be obtained for dangerous dogs wrongly described as "mixed breed" but owners often make their own pet passports using their home computer and printer. The procedure for obtaining and monitoring pet passports must be improved and secured. I would urge the public to support measures to ensure that this despicable practice is stamped out once and for all."
