7:30am Friday 3rd September 2010
By Matt Watts
Dog owners who use pets as weapons should face the same sentences as knife attackers, according to London’s deputy mayor for policing.
Kit Malthouse, outlined his views on toughening laws to kerb the threat of dangerous dogs as he set up a public pledge for residents to support City Hall’s calls for an urgent change to dog legislation.
He called for stricter punishment for owners whose dog were dangerously out of control or caused injury, and wants new legislation to allow police to seize a dog and prosecute an owner when an attack takes place on private land.
Mr Malthouse said: “How many more innocent people and pets need to suffer horrific attacks before the Government realises this needs urgent action? I am asking everyone to sign this petition and back our call to tackle the problem of snarling ‘weapon’ dogs in London.”
Dulwich and West Norwood MP Tessa Jowell, did not say if she would be signing the petition, but said a review of dangerous dog legislation had been launched in March by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Home Office.
She said it was important new legislation did not penalise the majority of dog owners who were responsible, but enhanced support and safety where needed, and needed to look at microchipping.
To sign Mr Malthouse’s pledge visit london.gov. uk/dangerousdogs.
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