UK

UK Considers Banning American Bully Breed Under the Dangerous Dogs Act

by

UK Government Mulls Over Banning the American Bully Breed Following Recent Attacks

The UK government, led by Mr. Sunak, is contemplating legally defining and subsequently banning the American Bully breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act. This act is applicable in England, Wales, and Scotland. The breed, which originated in the US in the late 1980s from a cross between American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers, has been involved in recent attacks, prompting this consideration.

Facts of the News
UK government considers banning the American Bully breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act
The breed originated in the US in the late 1980s
Some countries have restrictions on the American Bully breed, including mandatory muzzling in the Republic of Ireland

The United Kennel Club in the US describes the American Bully as an “excellent family dog” with a “gentle and friendly” demeanor despite its powerful appearance. However, it also notes that “some level of dog aggression is characteristic of this breed,” but aggressive behavior towards humans is uncharacteristic. The breed is restricted in some countries, including the Republic of Ireland, where it must be muzzled and on a leash no longer than 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches) when out in public.

Under the current provisions of the UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act, owning any dog that is “dangerously out of control” is illegal. The law specifically bans the Pit Bull Terrier, and dogs that share physical characteristics with banned breeds, including cross breeds, are also prohibited. In case of legal disputes, the owner has the onus to prove that their dog is not a banned type. Failure to prove this or pleading guilty leads to conviction, with penalties including an unlimited fine or up to six months in prison, and the dog being destroyed.

The consideration to ban the American Bully breed comes amidst a surge in attacks involving this breed. If the breed is legally defined and banned, it will join the list of breeds prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety and controlling dog aggression.

Dangerous Dogs Act Defined
The Dangerous Dogs Act is a law in the UK that prohibits owning any dog that is “dangerously out of control.” It bans specific breeds and imposes strict regulations on dog ownership to prevent attacks and ensure public safety. The act encompasses England, Wales, and Scotland. Learn more about the Dangerous Dogs Act on Wikipedia.

What is the stance of the United Kennel Club in the US regarding the American Bully breed?

The United Kennel Club in the US perceives the American Bully as an “excellent family dog” with a “gentle and friendly” demeanor. Despite acknowledging some level of dog aggression as a characteristic of the breed, it emphasizes that aggressive behavior towards humans is uncharacteristic for American Bullies.

What are the current provisions of the UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act?

The UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act prohibits owning any dog that is “dangerously out of control.” It bans specific breeds, including the Pit Bull Terrier, and extends to dogs that share physical characteristics with the banned breeds. Owners involved in legal disputes have the responsibility to prove their dog is not a banned type, failing which they can face severe penalties including fines and imprisonment.

What prompted the UK government to consider banning the American Bully breed?

The UK government is considering the ban on the American Bully breed following recent attacks involving these dogs. The move aims to enhance public safety by controlling dog aggression and preventing potential attacks in the future.

Source: BBC News

US and UK Impose Sanctions on Iran Marking the Anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s Death

by

US and UK Take a Stand against Iran’s Human Rights Violations

On the eve of the one-year anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death, the US and the UK have imposed sanctions on Iran. Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman, died in the custody of Iran’s “morality police” sparking widespread anti-government protests that faced violent crackdowns. The sanctions come as a response to Iran’s handling of the protests and its suppression of human rights.

  • Reason for Sanctions: The sanctions are in response to the death of Mahsa Amini and the subsequent violent crackdown on anti-government protests.
  • International Response: Along with the US and the UK, the EU, Canada, and Australia have also imposed sanctions on Iran.
  • Target of Sanctions: The sanctions target over two dozen individuals and entities, including members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iran’s Law Enforcement Forces.
Quick Facts Details
Death of Mahsa Amini Amini died on 16 September last year after being arrested for allegedly flouting Iran’s mandatory dress code.
Protests in Iran Her death sparked months of anti-government protests, marking a significant opposition to Iranian authorities in recent years.
Anticipation of Unrest Iranian security forces have been deployed in Amini’s hometown in anticipation of unrest this weekend.

The US and the UK, in collaboration with other international partners, are holding Iran accountable for suppressing the Iranian people’s human rights. The US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on more than two dozen people and entities associated with Iran’s “violent suppression” of protests following Amini’s death.

Britain has separately announced sanctions targeting senior Iranian officials enforcing Tehran’s mandatory hijab law. The list includes Iran’s minister for culture and Islamic guidance, his deputy, the mayor of Tehran, and an Iranian police spokesperson.

Sanctions Defined
Sanctions are punitive measures imposed by one or more countries against a targeted country, individual, or entity to maintain international order and security. They can include various forms of trade barriers and restrictions on financial transactions. Sanctions are often used to hold accountable those involved in activities against human rights, terrorism, or other violations of international law. Learn more about sanctions on Wikipedia.

What are the “morality police” in Iran?

The “morality police” in Iran, also known as Gasht-e Ershad, is a special force that enforces Iran’s Islamic code of conduct in public places. They have the authority to arrest individuals who they perceive as not adhering to the Islamic norms, including those related to dress code and public behavior. The force has been criticized for their harsh methods and violation of human rights.

Who was Mahsa Amini?

Mahsa Amini was a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman who died in the custody of Iran’s “morality police” on 16 September last year. Her death, which occurred after her arrest for allegedly flouting the Islamic Republic’s mandatory dress code, sparked widespread anti-government protests, marking a significant opposition to the Iranian authorities in recent years.

What implications do these sanctions have for Iran?

The sanctions imposed by the US, the UK, and other international partners target key individuals and entities involved in human rights violations in Iran. These sanctions are expected to have significant implications, putting economic and diplomatic pressure on Iran, and holding the nation accountable for its actions.

Source: The Guardian