Owners of dangerous dogs could now be face with fines of a maximum of £20,000. These fines are enforced if dog owners fail to adhere to new laws. English and Welsh authorities now have the power to demand that dog owners to muzzle dogs and fit microchips. This law follows up the recent law where dog owners can be prosecuted with dog attacks on private land.
Lord de Mauley the Animal welfare minister said that the government would be taking tough action against negligent owners.
Changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 meant that there could be custodial sentences to handed to owners of violent dogs. The maximum sentence for an owner who’s dog is responsible for a fatal attack is 14 years and five years for an injury.
It must be noted that in 2013, statistics show that over 6700 people were attacked by violent dogs and required hospital treatment. This quantity has increased by 6% in 2012. A total of 21 people have been killed from dog attacks since 2005, 13 of which were children.
The new law would have prosecuted the owner of the dangerous dog that mauled to death a 14 year old girl in October 2013, which happened on private premises.
Follow these simple rules when walking your dog in parks and public places:
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Keep your dog on a dog lead and under control at all times while in public places.
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Make sure your dog has a personalised dog tag on its collar with contact details.
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Your pet should be kept on a dog lead whenever you are directed to do so
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Keep your dog out of areas in the park where they are not allowed such as children’s play areas.
