The Dangerous Dog Act is under review and may not be proclaimed on August 1. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has ordered a review of the legislation based on concerns raised by dog owners. Minister of Legal Affairs Prakash Ramadhar made the disclosure at a public consultation held by the Congress of People (COP) at the Tunapuna Hindu School yesterday.
Ramadhar said members of the COP involved in animal right issues had asked him to take their concerns to Government. "In the COP we have a philosophy of consultation and at the national council we have many members who are involved actively in the welfare of animals generally. They have brought to us a request that the Government review the Dangerous Dog Act.
"We took the concerns to Cabinet as it is my responsibility as their leader and their MP and the Prime Minister has instructed that the Dangerous Dog Act be sent back for further consideration." The St Augustine MP has since spoken to the Attorney General Anand Ramlogan on the legislation and it is being reviewed.
"The attorney general and I spoke and he said he would be looking at the Dangerous Dog Act and taking into account the views of the population. We had planned this consultation before and we are so happy now that we have been able collate all the views and take it to the attorney general for a fresh look," Ramadhar said.