Tough new dog law comes into force
Owners who do not take steps to prevent a dog attack could now face fines of up to £20,000
Owners who do not take steps to prevent a dog attack could now face fines of up to £20,000, as the Government introduces tough new legislation.
In addition to changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act earlier this year, a new dog control law will come into force today (Monday, October 20).
Police and local authorities will be given new powers to deal with complaints.
When the police or council receive a complaint about a dog, owners may be ordered to take steps including any or all of the following: attending dog training classes, muzzling the dog, keeping it on a lead in public, microchipping and/or neutering the dog and repairing fences to prevent the dog from leaving the property.
A manual has been launched to help the police and local authorities to use their new legal powers.
Animal welfare minister Lord De Mauley said: "Dog attacks are devastating for victims and their families which is why we are taking tough action against those who allow them to happen. Police and local authorities will now have more powers to demand that irresponsible dog owners take steps to prevent attacks before they occur.
"This is on top of the tougher prison sentences we introduced earlier this year for owners who allow their dogs to attack people and assistance dogs."
Changes were made to dangerous dog laws in May this year to allow the owners of dogs who attack on private property to be prosecuted. In addition, prison sentences were extended so that owners can face up to 14 years in jail if their dog kills a person, five years if they injure somebody and three years for attacks on assistance dogs.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
