Dog control consultation looks at longer jail terms

While the government has announced a consultation on increasing penalties for owners with out of control dogs, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has said prevention is better than punishment.

Running from August 6 to September 1, the government's consultation asks people to state whether or not they feel irresponsible dog owners who allow their dogs to attack members of the public should face longer jail terms.

However, the BVA has reiterated that the government should instead be concentrating on preventative action to deal with out of control dogs.

"We understand that penalties need to work as an effective deterrent," said BVA President Peter Jones, "but the key to reducing incidents involving dogs must be to prevent them happening in the first place."

Mr Jones added that, while education plays a "very important" role in helping people understand dog behaviour and the requirements for keeping a dog under control at all times, strong legislation is also needed.

The BVA has recently campaigned for the introduction of dog control notices, alongside the police, animal welfare charities and the Communication Workers Union.

Dog control notices are proposed to be served on dog owners at the earliest sign of a problem.

"We have been campaigning vigorously for the introduction of dog control notices that allow trained enforcers to take action at the earliest opportunity and prevent these terrible incidents that the Dangerous Dogs Act has failed to reduce," Mr Jones explained.

Click here to find out more and give feedback on the consultation.