I caught some of this on midday news but did not catch full details. It must be something they (gov) have in mind for after election so anyone with time to listen to 6pm news can catch it (I suppose).
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31913681

Dangerous dogs: owners face tougher sentences for attacks

"Changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act come in to force today.

Irresponsible dog owners who allow their dog to attack people or assistance dogs will face tougher prison sentences from today.

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.

The maximum sentences for allowing a dog to attack someone have also been substantially increased.

The maximum prison sentences in England and Wales are now:
•Up to 14 years, from two years, for a fatal dog attack.
•Up to five years, from two years, for injury.
•Up to three years if an assistance dog is attacked."

Personally, I think up to 3 years for deliberately setting or allowing your dog to attack an assistance dog is far to lenient!

I agree I once saw a news story on national news about a guide dog attacked on the tube by a staff mix the owner had it loose and when it attacked the guide dog he could not get it off he left running away, it took other passengers to get the dog off while the guide dog was screaming and the owner was left wondering what the he'll happened.

Police rushed dog to vets it needed so many stitches the whole thing was caught on CCTV, staff mix was destroyed but that is not the point the guide dog never worked again and it was a young dog as well.  The owner was left seriously disturbed and worried about using the tube which in London is a necessity

"Changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act come in to force today.

Thanks for that, I did not know it came into force today, I was driving when I heard & did not concentrate beyond a superficial basic.
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Personally, I think up to 3 years for deliberately setting or allowing your dog to attack an assistance dog is far to lenient!

I agree.
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As many will know, a woman was killed by a dog yesterday & an 18 year old male charged under one of the dog laws, maybe this will be the first 14 year sentence for a fatal attack.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dangerous-dogs-owners-face-tougher-sentences-for-attacks
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How in this day and age a dig can be killed fir the owners actions is beyond me... makes e sick