Councils net new powers as changes to dangerous dogs laws take effect

Changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 have taken effect this week, creating new powers for local authorities and imposing tougher penalties on owners who allow their dog to attack people.

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.

Local authorities and the police will gain new powers to require errant dog owners to attend training classes with their animals, repair fences to prevent a dog’s escape from their property and to muzzle their dog in public.

Maximum prison sentences in England and Wales are now 14 years for a fatal dog attack, instead of only two years.

The maximum sentence for causing injury is increased from two years to five and a new offence of allowing an assistance dog to be attacked carries a jail term of up to three years.

Crime prevention minister Norman Baker said: “Today’s measures will protect individuals and also assistance dogs, which bring security, confidence and independence to their handlers.

“Later this year, new measures under the ASB, Crime and Policing Act will enable frontline professionals to crack down on anti-social dog owners who allow their animals to foul public places, menace members of the public and cause distress in the community.”

Reforms to the legislation on dangerous dogs formed part of last year’s Queen’s Speech, when the Local Government Association's Licensing Champion, Cllr Nilgun Canver, said education and campaigns were the keys to securing responsible dog ownership, but “these can be costly for councils and their partners.”

Mark Smulian