Wandsworth Council has urged the Government to impose life sentences in dangerous dog attack cases which result in death.

The council outlined its views in a consultation ran by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (Defra), asking if the maximum sentence should be changed.

Wandsworth Council has said longer sentences should be handed out to people who allow their dog to be dangerously out of control.

It also believes people should serve tougher sentences when the dog injures or kills a person, or an assistance dog.

In the consultation Wandsworth said the maximum sentences should be 10 years in prison, the longest term suggested in the consultation.

The maximum sentence is currently two years in prison, a fine, or both.

Councillor Jonathan Cook, cabinet member for community safety, said: "For the past five years we have been at the forefront of calls to introduce more effective rules on dog ownership in order to rid our communities of reckless owners and the pain and suffering they can cause to others.

"We have taken practical steps to promote responsible dog ownership, such as offering free microchipping to council tenants and leaseholders and providing the service at a reduced rate to other residents - but feel strongly that more serious deterrents are needed to help combat this issue."

The council has spearheaded the call for changes in legislation for the control of dangerous dogs, working alongside Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, the RSPCA and other organisations.

For more information visit wandsworth.gov.uk/dogs, email dogcontrol@wandsworth.gov.uk or call 020 8871 7606.

What do you think? Are life sentences needed for owners of dangerous dogs which kill people? Have your say or take part in our online poll:

 

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