Dangerous Dogs

Opened the debate

In November, a 10-year-old boy named Jack Lis was tragically killed by a dangerous dog in Penyrheol. The dog, an American XL Bully called Beast, was bought on the internet only days before and had exhibited aggressive behaviour previously. One defendant received a three-year sentence while the other got four and a half years, both found guilty of keeping or allowing a dog dangerously out of control where death occurred. However, these sentences are deemed too lenient by Jack's mother, Emma, and the local community. The hon. MP raises concerns about the lack of power to refer such cases to the Court of Appeal for review under current legislation, calling for an addition to the scheme by the Secretary of State for Justice. He also emphasises the need for revised sentencing guidelines and a fundamental rethink of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, advocating for preventive measures instead of reactive approaches like breed-specific bans. Statistics highlight the frequency of dog attacks, stressing the inadequacy of existing legislation and the importance of comprehensive reform to protect public safety.

Government Response

The Minister conveys her sympathies to the Lis family for their loss and assures the House of Commons' commitment to address irresponsible dog ownership. She outlines actions taken, including a Middlesex University report on reducing dog attacks and promoting responsible ownership across all breeds. A responsible dog ownership project is underway with sub-groups examining data collection practices, licensing requirements, enforcement, training courses, and education initiatives for children. The project aims to conclude next year, after which the Government will consider advice for future steps. She also mentions a rapid response involving stakeholders, police, local authorities, and devolved Administrations to develop simple safety messages about dog interactions with children. The Minister stresses the need to balance views on breed-specific legislation with public safety concerns while exploring current legislation's effectiveness and areas for improvement as part of ongoing work.