New guidelines have been introduced to the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 which means that owners of dogs that cause death or serious injury could now face a two year prison sentence.
This is in response to a number of recent cases where children or babies have been attacked when left alone with a pet dog. The dogs responsible were usually a type of terrier that has very strong jaws and a persistent attitude.
Some owners of dangerous dogs claim "My dog would never attack a child. He loves my kids and plays with them all the time". But it is the responsibility of a dog owner not to put a child's life at risk and the new guidelines should make owners more aware of possible risks, not only to lie but also to their own freedom.