Killer dog owners face life in prison

Snarling dog

The owners of dogs that attack and kill someone could face life in prison under new proposals for England and Wales.

The current maximum prison sentence for allowing a dog that kills or injures someone to be dangerously out of control is two years.

Under a government consultation, respondents will be asked to select the most appropriate sentence for a fatal dog attack - from seven years to life.

Sixteen people have been killed by dogs in the UK since 2005.

At present, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 covers only attacks by dogs in public places and private areas where animals are prohibited from being, such as a neighbour's garden or a park.

The consultation, which will run until 1 September, follows the announcement in February of plans to extend the scope of the law to enable a prosecution to be brought against anyone whose dog injures someone or acts aggressively in a private place where they are permitted to be, such as the owner's home.

Under the consultation, jail terms suggested for a dog owner whose animal injures a person or kills an assistance dog, like a guide dog for a visually impaired person, range from three years up to a maximum of 10.

The process will be used to inform recommendations put forward in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill.