Citizens in England and Wales have been given an opportunity to voice their opinions on potential laws involving punishments for owners of killer dogs, including a sentence of life in prison.
Citizens in England and Wales have been given an opportunity to voice their opinions on potential laws involving sentencing for owners of killer dogs.
Public opinion will be considered in the government’s decision to proceed with establishing more severe punishments, including life in prison.
At present, under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, owners of the animals that severely injure or even kill people can receive a maximum prison sentence of 2 years and only if the attack occurs under certain circumstances.
The act dictates that the dog’s owner is only culpable if the attack takes place in public or private places where the canine is prohibited from being.
Among the suggested updates is that the limitation be expanded to include places where the dog is allowed such as its own home.
Ideas for the new laws also include establishing specific sentences of up to 10 years for attacks that result in the death of service animals.
Following the announcement that the laws are being reconsidered, the union that represents postal workers, who report thousands of attacks a year, welcomed the proposed changes.
Since 2005, 16 people in the UK have been killed by out of control canines.
