Make dog on dog attacks a specific criminal offence


Make dog on dog attacks a specific criminal offence
The Issue
I would like the government to change the law so that dog on dog attacks are always considered an offence and the owner/s of the dog that attacks is held responsible for its actions. At present owners have a choice whether they wish to sign a letter with the police that states if they will keep their dogs on a lead and muzzled, if they do not sign this nothing can be done to enforce this. This should not be a choice! It is currently an offence by the owner or person in charge of a dog if it worries livestock on any agricultural land, (section 1 Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953). Yet a dog on dog attack is not dealt with properly.
The Issue
I would like the government to change the law so that dog on dog attacks are always considered an offence and the owner/s of the dog that attacks is held responsible for its actions. At present owners have a choice whether they wish to sign a letter with the police that states if they will keep their dogs on a lead and muzzled, if they do not sign this nothing can be done to enforce this. This should not be a choice! It is currently an offence by the owner or person in charge of a dog if it worries livestock on any agricultural land, (section 1 Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953). Yet a dog on dog attack is not dealt with properly.
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The Decision Makers
Petition created on 19 January 2022