Welsh Government plans to change the law to better control dangerous dogs have been dropped in favour of changes by the UK Government.
The Welsh Government had wanted new laws to include measures for owners of dogs who have failed to keep their animals under control.
Legislation that would have gone through the Welsh Assembly has now been suspended after the UK Government revealed its own plans for laws to curb dangerous dogs.
Wales’ Natural Resources Minister Alun Davies said he would work with the UK Government.
He told the BBC: “In discussions with the Home Office and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), it has become clear that there may be value in a joint collaborative approach.
“I will continue discussions with the UK Government with a view to considering whether early UK parliamentary legislation would be the best vehicle to take forward our proposals in a coherent way.”
He added: “We will continue to work with Defra to ensure that their proposals to amend the Dangerous Dogs Act will include provision to make it an offence for dogs to be out of control on private premises and provide protection for assistance dogs.”
The existing Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 does not include attacks by dogs on private premises and covers only dog attacks in public or prohibited areas.
The RSPCA has said it is disappointed as has the Communication Workers Union.
Billy Hayes, CWU general secretary, said: “This is deeply disappointing. Wales was set to get top pedigree dogs laws and has been apparently forced into a u-turn in favour of Westminster’s runt of the litter.
“Westminster’s proposals are far inferior to the draft legislation which Wales has been meticulously preparing. England would have been left the poor neighbour in terms of dangerous dogs legislation as both Scotland and Northern Ireland have already introduced comprehensive new dogs laws.
“We do still welcome the Westminster proposals being in the Queen’s Speech – we finally have a timetable – as they include key changes such as extending the law to private property and compulsory microchipping. But it’s disappointing this has come at the cost of far better – and quicker – legislation for Wales.”
Dave Joyce, CWU health and safety officer, added: “This is a bit of a double-edged sword. We’ve finally got Westminster to do something after constant campaigning and lobbying by CWU, but their action included forcing Wales to back away from better, more comprehensive legislation.
“It is a mystery why Westminster has pressured Wales into dropping their domestic legislation when it confirmed less than 18 months ago this was a matter for Wales under devolved powers.
“The Wales u-turn is a shocking outcome for people in Wales. They will now have to wait longer for inferior laws to what they would have had.
“We remain unconvinced that antisocial behaviour powers, which the government is relying on instead of adopting Dog Control Notices, will be effective in tackling the problems of irresponsible dog ownership.
“This Westminster solution isn’t supported by any stakeholders – not the police, animal charities, unions or victims. It’s very disappointing.”