Questions raised about legislation on dangerous dogs after death of baby girl near Woodhall Spa

She was killed by a working husky - her parents were yesterday spared jail

Dog
Author: Andy MarshPublished 15th Aug 2023

Questions are being raised over whether more should be done about dangerous dogs following the case of a 3 month old baby who was killed by a working husky near Woodhall Spa.

Yesterday her parents were spared jail and given suspended sentences.

There've also been other dog attacks across the country on children including in Stockton on Tees over the weekend.

I think the law is focusing on the wrong things

Lincolnshire dog behaviourist Meghan Burnett is concerned about current legislation.

We spoke to her about the situation.

She told us: " The dangerous dogs act was originally brought in to keep people but we know that the number of fatal dog attacks is rising quite significantly across the country."

"Personally I feel changes do need to be made."

"The law is still focusing on the wrong things."

"It's still very much caught up on the appearance of certain dogs and breeds rather than behaviour."

If dogs have a bite history there's the chance it could happen again

"If you want to protect public safety we should be focusing on owners taking responsibility for their behaviour and that needs to start from day one. "

"With rescue centres at breaking point, with these dogs already posing a certain risk if they have a bite history - it's not always easy to find them a suitable home."

"We have to be extremely cautious about working with dogs who have a bite history because there's always the chance it could happen again."

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