Menu
15/05/2012
New Guidelines Increase Punishment For Dangerous Dog Offence's
The Sentencing Council for England and Wales have issued new guidelines which say that people who fail to stop their dog harming others should face at least six months in jail.
The guidelines are the first issued to judges and magistrates for convictions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
The body says there will more jail terms and community orders.
And the guidelines, which follow a public consultation and lobbying from individuals and groups, mean fewer offenders will receive discharges, it says.
Official figures show there has been a rise in recent years in the number of people sentenced for dangerous dog offences, reaching 1,192 cases in 2010.
The NHS has also estimated that dog injuries cost it more than £3m a year, with the number of bites doubling to more than 6,100 between 1997 and 2010.
Last December, the council proposed in a consultation that judges should consider a community order as the starting point for sentencing people who allow a dangerous dog to injure someone.
However, the offence will now have a starting point of six months in jail - and where appropriate judges should consider up to 18 months.
Although the council's guideline has upped the proposed starting point for serious offences, some offenders could still be discharged from court if they can show they tried to stop an attack.
(H/GK)
The guidelines are the first issued to judges and magistrates for convictions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
The body says there will more jail terms and community orders.
And the guidelines, which follow a public consultation and lobbying from individuals and groups, mean fewer offenders will receive discharges, it says.
Official figures show there has been a rise in recent years in the number of people sentenced for dangerous dog offences, reaching 1,192 cases in 2010.
The NHS has also estimated that dog injuries cost it more than £3m a year, with the number of bites doubling to more than 6,100 between 1997 and 2010.
Last December, the council proposed in a consultation that judges should consider a community order as the starting point for sentencing people who allow a dangerous dog to injure someone.
However, the offence will now have a starting point of six months in jail - and where appropriate judges should consider up to 18 months.
Although the council's guideline has upped the proposed starting point for serious offences, some offenders could still be discharged from court if they can show they tried to stop an attack.
(H/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 May 2014
Owners To Face Longer Sentences Over Dog Attacks
Irresponsible dog owners who allow their dog to attack people or assistance dogs will face tougher prison sentences from today, Tuesday. Changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act will also mean dog owners can now face prosecution if their dog attacks a person in their home or on any private property, except if they attack a trespasser.
Owners To Face Longer Sentences Over Dog Attacks
Irresponsible dog owners who allow their dog to attack people or assistance dogs will face tougher prison sentences from today, Tuesday. Changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act will also mean dog owners can now face prosecution if their dog attacks a person in their home or on any private property, except if they attack a trespasser.
06 August 2013
Govt Proposes New Sentencing For Fatal Dog Attacks
New proposals for England and Wales could see owners of dogs that attack and kill face a life sentence in prison. Currently, the maximum sentence is two years for those convicted of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control. Under proposals put forward by the government, a range of new sentences would be available, from seven years to life.
Govt Proposes New Sentencing For Fatal Dog Attacks
New proposals for England and Wales could see owners of dogs that attack and kill face a life sentence in prison. Currently, the maximum sentence is two years for those convicted of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control. Under proposals put forward by the government, a range of new sentences would be available, from seven years to life.
09 July 2009
Dangerous Dogs Seized By Police During Raids
Twenty dangerous dogs have been seized by officers in police raids in south London. During the operation - one of the largest of its kind - specialist officers raided the homes of suspected gang members and owners of illegal dogs and seized mostly pit bull terrier type dogs from 12 addresses in Lambeth.
Dangerous Dogs Seized By Police During Raids
Twenty dangerous dogs have been seized by officers in police raids in south London. During the operation - one of the largest of its kind - specialist officers raided the homes of suspected gang members and owners of illegal dogs and seized mostly pit bull terrier type dogs from 12 addresses in Lambeth.
09 May 2003
Victims to get say in sentencing
Victims of crime and the police will have a say in setting what the Home Secretary describes as "more consistent sentences" for criminals under plans published today.
Victims to get say in sentencing
Victims of crime and the police will have a say in setting what the Home Secretary describes as "more consistent sentences" for criminals under plans published today.
13 October 2010
News Plans For Assault Terms
Under new plans, criminals convicted of assault will be sentenced on the basis of the harm they caused their victims, the Sentencing Council have announced. Judges and Magistrates in England and Wales are currently revising the guidelines. Sentencing guidelines for assault offences are currently based on a description of the offence.
News Plans For Assault Terms
Under new plans, criminals convicted of assault will be sentenced on the basis of the harm they caused their victims, the Sentencing Council have announced. Judges and Magistrates in England and Wales are currently revising the guidelines. Sentencing guidelines for assault offences are currently based on a description of the offence.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
