06 June 2023 , 20:13
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A Labour MP last night called for all parties to work together to stop the epidemic of killings by dogs.
Wayne David made the plea as MPs were shown a heartbreaking speech by Emma Whitfield, whose 10-year-old son Jack Lis was mauled to death by an American XL Bully in November 2021.
Emma said: “The first thing I think needs to be looked at is the Dangerous Dogs Act. It’s commonly accepted by politicians that it does not work, and this is also the view of the animal charities.
“It doesn’t protect people.”
The Mirror launched the Time for Action on Dangerous Dogs campaign last October and hopes a new Jack Lis Law could finally end the plague of maulings and killings.
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Jack Lis' death inspired campaignMr David, who represents Caerphilly, where Jack died, said: “This is an issue that will be discussed at our National Policy Forum, and Emma has really helped. I hope all parties will embrace this issue. This isn’t partisan.”
The All Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group was shown the names of 18 people who have died in dog attacks since 2021.
A review into regulations for licensed dog breeders and pet sellers is not expected to be published until sometime later this year.
Yesterday Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ’s official spokesman said: “We are looking at ways to reduce dog attacks and promote responsible dog ownership based on further research taking place now.
“And we do have the Dangerous Dog Act, which can put people in prison for a maximum of 14 years because no one should go through what Jack’s family endured.
“We are looking at if there are further measures that can be taken.”
Dog that killed Jack (WALES NEWS SERVICE)A few months after Jack’s death, two-year-old Lawson Bond was fatally mauled in Egdon, Worcs.
A fortnight later 17-month-old Bella-Rae Birch was killed by her family’s dog at home in St Helens, Merseyside.
A fatal attack followed on Daniel John Twigg, who was attacked outside his home in Greater Manchester.
Three-month-old Kyra Leanne King and four-year-old Alice Stones also died.
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Since the start of the year dog attacks have led to the deaths of Natasha Johnston, 28, four-year-old Alice, Wayne Stevens, 51, and Jonathan Hogg, 37.
A woman in her 70s, who has not been identified, died after being attacked by a dog in Bedworth, Warwicks, on Friday.
Also an 11-year-old boy was left with serious injuries after a dog attack in Manchester on Sunday.