Personal injury advice from
Thompsons Solicitors
New Guidelines on Sentencing for Owners of Dangerous Dogs
17th May 2012
Judges and magistrates have been issued with new guidelines allowing them to impose tougher sentences on the owners of dangerously out of control dogs. Under the guidelines people convicted of dangerous dog offences could face a sentence of up to 18 months imprisonment, with a maximum of 2 years in exceptional cases.
Injuries Caused by Dangerous Dogs
The number of convictions for offences relating to dangerous dogs has risen throughout the past decade.
A number of horrific dog attacks have left people badly injured and tragically there have been several fatal attacks on young children
All owners have a responsibility to prevent their dogs from posing a risk to the public and though some breeds of dog have been banned other breeds are capable of causing serious injury if they are not kept under proper control. Owners who ignore the law and keep prohibited breeds as well as those who fail to take reasonable measures to prevent their dogs from causing harm are potentially liable for prosecution and to be sued for compensation by those injured in any attack.
Punishment for Dangerous Dog Offenders
The new guidelines from the Sentencing Council mean that courts will be taking a firmer approach to sentencing those in possession of banned dogs (currently the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasilieiro) and those who allow their dogs to run out of control in public areas and cause personal injury to others. Fewer offenders will receive discharges and more will receive jail sentences and community orders.
The severity of sentences will depend on factors relating to the level of harm caused, to what extent the owner was to blame, whether the injured party was a vulnerable person such as a child and if the owner had failed to take notice of previous warnings about their dog’s behaviour.
Courts will also be encouraged to take other action against irresponsible owners. For example they may be banned from keeping dogs, fines may be imposed, or orders may be issued for dangerous dogs to be put down.
Dog Attack Compensation
If you or a member of your family has been the victim of a dog attack you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim. Specialist support and guidance is invaluable at what can be a very difficult time.
At The Legal Line our personal injury solicitors have a wealth of experience in recovering compensation for the victims of injuries caused by animals and we can provide you with the best possible legal advice on a cost-free basis.
Contact us for confidential advice on 0800 0328511, or by completing a claim enquiry form online.
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