Owners of killer dogs could face life sentences
The owners of dogs that attack members of the public could face tough new sentences, including life imprisonment for those whose pets kill.
Planned new sentences for the owners of killer dogs could see a huge leap in jail terms from the current two years maximum.
Irresponsible owners whose dogs kill their victims could be treated similarly to killer drivers, for those whose dogs kill their victims. Life imprisonment is an option, with 10 years as the maximum term suggested for injuring a person or killing a guide dog.
A consultation will run until September and will be used to recommend new measures for the anti-social behaviour, crime and policing bill.
Since 2005 16 people have been killed by dangerous dogs in the UK, including 14-year-old Jade Anderson, who was attacked by four dogs – two bull mastiffs and two Staffordshire bull terriers.
‘Terrifying attacks’
Lord de Mauley, animal welfare minister, has said: “Dog attacks are terrifying and we need harsh penalties to punish those who allow their dog to injure people while out of control.
“We’re already toughening up laws to ensure that anyone who owns a dangerous dog can be brought to justice, regardless of where a dog attack takes place. It’s crucial that the laws we have in place act as a deterrent to stop such horrific incidents.”
Dog attacks are terrifying and we need harsh penalties to punish those who allow their dog to injure people while out of control
Lord de Mauley, animal welfare minister
The government warned earlier this year it would introduce new measures to tackle out-of-control dogs by changing the law to ensure irresponsible owners can be prosecuted, regardless of where the dog attacks.
The Communication Workers Union, representing postal worker and telecoms engineers, who suffer an estimated 5,000 dog attacks each year, has welcomed the move.
The union’s health and safety officer, Dave Joyce, said: “Current sentencing arrangements do not match the serious nature of offences. Sixteen people have been killed since 2005 by dogs, yet the maximum prison sentence is just two years.
“Only one person has ever been imprisoned for a dog attack on a postal worker, and as the fatality rate from dog attacks grows, sentencing must get tougher.
“At the moment people are being handed vastly different sentences for very similar crimes, with one person receiving a suspended prison sentence while another walks away with just a £100 fine.”
Preventive action
A petition was handed into Downing Street last month by parents of attack victims, calling for David Cameron to take action to prevent more attacks.
Planned new sentences for the owners of killer dogs could see a huge leap in jail terms from the current two years maximum.
Irresponsible owners will be treated similarly to killer drivers, for those whose dogs kill their victims, life imprisonment is an option with 10 years as the maximum term suggested for injuring a person or killing a guide dog.