Tougher laws as set to be introduced designed to make dog owners take better responsibility for their dogs.
Under the new proposals from the Sentencing Council, owners of dangerous dogs could face up to 2 years in prison.
A number of dog attacks in recent years have left people with scars, in some cases both mental and physical. The changes in the Dangerous Dogs Act would hold dangerous dog owners to account meaning that dangerous dogs would be destroyed and compensation paid to victims.
The 1991 Dangerous Dog Act relates mainly to four named breeds – pit bull terriers, the Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino and fila Brasileiro, or any type bred for fighting purposes.
The new guidelines would extend to any dog which is thought to be dangerously out of control.
District Judge Anne Arnold, a member of the Sentencing Council, said: “The majority of dog owners take good care of their pets and keep their dogs under control.
“But we want to ensure that irresponsible dog owners who put the public at risk are sentenced appropriately."
Owners could face up to a maximum of two years in the most serious of cases, which could include incidents where a dangerously out of control dog has caused serious injury during a sustained attack, injured a child, or where the owner has failed to respond to previous warnings or concerns.
Have you been attacked by a dog? If so, call us today on 0800 612 7445 for free advice on how to claim injury compensation.