Fears that tougher sentences could penalise responsible owners

Despite welcoming recent proposals to increase the maximum jail sentence that can be handed to the owners of dangerous dogs, the RSPCA has voiced concerns that this may also impact upon the responsible majority.

Under new government proposals, dog owners can face up to five years in jail if their pet injures somebody.

The RSPCA says it fears that owners whose pets accidentally injure a person could also be penalised and is calling on Lord de Mauley, Defra minister in the House of Lords, to provide responsible owners with a reasonable defence if their dogs are involved in an accidental incident.

David Bowles, head of public affairs for the charity, said: "Under the proposals the owner of a dog who causes injury to a person could be facing a maximum prison sentence of five years.

"Even the most well behaved and well trained dog could fall foul of this legislation if they cause an injury to someone who despite being told by the owner not to interact with the dog, chooses to do otherwise."

The charity fears that this could have a serious impact on responsible owners and dog welfare, with some animals being unnecessarily seized. Meanwhile, owners fearing prosecution may not allow their pets to interact with other animals or people.

In addition, there are concerns that these proposals could lead to some owners giving up their dogs or potential owners being put off adopting a dog.

Mr Bowles added: "We urge that the Government puts forward an amendment for a defence to be made available for such cases to protect responsible dog owners should an incident occur. As part of this amendment, courts should be required to consider all the circumstances of any dog related incident."

Furthermore, the charity says there is an urgent need to educate the public about safety around dogs as well as legislation, giving "a much more balanced approach."

"We fully support targeting the irresponsible few but not at the expense of the majority of dog owners," Mr Bowles concluded.

The proposed bill is set to be discussed again in the House of Lords on November 12. To find out more and register concerns with Lord de Mauley, visit the RSPCA website.