More than 17,000 dog-lovers in North East Hampshire will be hit by a 'senseless' tax according to MP James Arbuthnot.
The Tory parliamentarian has hit out at plans for families to pay a compulsory levy to own a dog. It is hoped that the measures will cut down on the number of dangerous dogs in society, but in practice, they would be exempt as the Dangerous Dogs Act bans ownership and sale of fighting dogs such as pit bull terriers.
James believes it will hit the poorest homes hardest can called for a common sense approach to dealing with the issue.
He said: “As always, the Government sees tax as the solution to every problem and is afraid to let people get on with running their own lives. Plans for a dog tax will penalise almost 17,000 law-abiding dog lovers across North East Hampshire and do nothing to target irresponsible dog owners. This measure makes no sense and will hit the poorest homes the hardest.”
An estimated 5.4million households have dogs across England and Wales, with 727,000 in the South East who would be required to pay the compulsory dog tax.
“We need tougher laws against the growing problem of dangerous dogs being used in acts of violence. But it is a sledgehammer to crack a nut to impose a dog tax on a poodle. It is time for targeted action which actually makes a difference' its time for the type of common sense which only the Conservatives can promise.”
