Owners of dogs involved in fatal attacks to face up to 14 years jail time

Owners of dogs that are involved in fatal attacks may face up to 14 years jail time, the government has announced.

14:54 30 October 2013

The government plans to punish owners of killer dogs by locking them up to 14 years in prison once convicted. This proposal could see huge increase in maximum penalty for failing to control dangerous pets. 

Environment Secretary Owen Patterson said: "The maximum penalty of causing death by dangerous driving is 14 years' imprisonment and the maximum penalty for causing actual bodily harm is five years' imprisonment.

"The Government proposes, therefore, to increase the maximum penalties for aggravated offences under Section 3 of the 1991 Act in England and Wales to 14 years' imprisonment if a person dies as a result of a dog attack, five years' imprisonment if a person is injured by a dog attack, and three years' imprisonment if an assistance dog either dies or is injured by a dog attack."

"At the same time, there will be an exemption from prosecution for householders whose dogs attack trespassers in or entering the home. There will also be a specific offence of allowing a dog to attack an assistance dog."

The sentences fall in line with how drivers are responsible for injuries and deaths as a result of their cars.

The proposed bill should become active by 2014.