Crackdown on 'menace of dangerous dogs' (From Messenger Newspapers)

Crackdown on 'menace of dangerous dogs'

8:20pm Friday 7th September 2012 in News

NEW tougher guidelines for the sentencing of offenders under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 have been backed by Michael Winstanley, Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner candidate for Greater Manchester.

The Act, which came into force on August 20, increases the sentencing ranges for dangerous dog offences.

The new laws also mean more offenders will face jail sentences and get community orders and fewer will receive discharges Mr Winstanley, who owns a dog himself, said: “Dangerous dogs can be a menace.

“More than 200,000 people are attacked by dogs each year and there tragically have been five fatal attacks since 2007. Young children are especially vulnerable.

“Everyone knows it is the irresponsible minority that gets dogs and their owners a bad name.”