Crime Solicitors

From Tuesday (13/05/14), the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is introducing tougher penalties for dog owners who fail to control their pets – including changes in the law which allow prosecution of an owner if a dog attacks someone in its own home.

The previous jail term of two years for an owner convicted of allowing their dog to attack has now been increased to 14 years.

The changes have been introduced in response to a series of fatal dog attacks, including dogs which attacked visitors or children being cared for in their homes.

Dog attacks on private property previously fell outside the law, meaning owners could not be prosecuted under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Earlier in 2014, an 11-month-old toddler and a six-month old baby were killed by dogs on private property.

The law has also been changed so that owners who allow a dog to cause injury now face a five-year prison sentence, increased from the previous two-year jail term.

Amendments to the Dangerous Dogs Act now also include legislation to protect assistance dogs such as guide dogs and hearing dogs from attack.

Dog owners convicted of allowing their pet to attack an assistance dog now face a three-year jail term.

The police and local councils will also be able to force owners of dogs to attend dog training classes and obedience classes with their pets – as well as ordering dogs to wear a muzzle in public places.

The chief executive of Guide Dogs for the Blind, Richard Leaman, said that for owners, an attack on their guide dog could be “devastating”:

“It can rob someone with sight loss of their independence and freedom, leaving them virtually housebound,” he told BBC News.

"With an average of 10 guide dogs being attacked every month, we're looking to the police to fully use their new powers to protect vulnerable people from these sometimes life-changing attacks.

“We're delighted that irresponsible owners can now be given tougher sentences if their dog attacks an assistance dog,” he added.

The government’s Animal Welfare Minister Lord Mauley said:

“Dog attacks can have horrific consequences for victims and families and it is only right those responsible should face tough punishments.

"Irresponsible dog owners will not only face longer prison sentences, but will also be liable for prosecution regardless of where an attack takes place, even in their own home.

"This will give protection to those who provide vital services in the community – postal workers, nurses, utility workers, as well as people visiting family and friends."

In the UK it is illegal to own, sell, give away, abandon or breed from a banned breed – in Britain banned dog breeds are the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Braziliero.

Duncan Lewis Crime Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of crime solicitors and can advise dog owners facing charges for dog attacks on private property or in public.

Duncan Lewis crime solicitors can also offer legal advice and representation to others facing charges relating to injuries sustained by the public in animal attacks, including farmers or petting zoo managers.

For expert legal advice on charges relating to the Dangerous Dogs Act or other charges relating to animal attacks, contact Duncan Lewis crime solicitors on 020 7923 4020.