Two women from Liverpool have been jailed for a year each for leaving their dog to get out of control and kill a retired neighbour, whilst they were away from the house at a barbecue. The judge at Liverpool Crown Court did make reference to recent law changes which have now come into effect, which could now see owners of dogs who kill jailed for 14 years!
I commend the judge for effectively acknowledging that he was working within sentencing guidelines which most right minded people will now acknowledge to be unfit for purpose. As the two women pleaded guilty before the changes came into force, this judge's hands were clearly tied.
This change in the law does quite rightly bring the maximum penalties for death by dangerous dogs in line with death by drink driving. People who are stupid to drink and drive, of course deserve the full force of the law. But the same now also needs to be true of those who cause death by dangerous dogs!
Leaving any dog alone without food for a sustained period of time, as happened in this particular case, is quite frankly asking for trouble. On the evidence of this case, I would also state that some dog owners may lack a basic understanding of what is required to provide basic care for their dog. HOPEFULLY TOUGHER SENTENCES WILL SEND THE CORRECT MESSAGE!
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