Standard-Setting

A series of dog attacks on humans, including fatal incidents involving the death of two children, has caught the attention of the Amnesian public. After particularly graphic pictures appeared on the evening television news, the minister has come under considerable pressure to ‘do something’. The Minister has therefore demanded an immediate tough and comprehensive’ regulatory response.At the same time, as a result of these public concerns there has been a rise in the number of abandoned dogs, leading to overcrowding in animal shelters. Wider attention has shifted to the shortcomings in the treatment and living conditions of dogs in these establishments. Another task force is instituted to develop standards for these shelters.As advisors to the Amnesian government, you are asked to respond to three demands: What is a good standard for the control of dogs that are considered dangerous to the wider public? And what kind of approach should be taken towards the regulation of animal shelters?