11 June 2023 , 16:07
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The public has overwhelmingly backed the Mirror’s campaign for action to stop killings by dangerous dogs.
Four in five voters believe ministers should introduce tougher penalties for owners whose dogs are out of control.
The Mirror is demanding more robust sanctions as part of its Time for Action on Dangerous Dogs campaign.
We want a new Jack Lis Law to end the maulings - named in honour of the 10-year-old killed by a dog.
He suffered fatal injuries after being dragged away by an XL Bully named Beast in Caerphilly, Wales.
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Since his death in November 2021, at least 16 others have been killed in dog attacks, including a woman in her 70s in Warwickshire earlier this month.
10 year old Jack Lis from Caerphilly, who was killed by a dangerous dog near his home (Emma Whitfield)
Jack Lis (Emma Whitfield)A Redfield and Wilton survey, conducted for the Mirror, found 83% would support tougher penalties for owners of dogs that are deemed dangerously out of control.
Labour MP Wayne David, who represents Caerphilly, said: “The public are clear they want the law toughened so there are more robust punishments for irresponsible dog owners.
“We need action now before there are any more deaths or injuries.”
The Mirror is calling for an urgent review of the law and tougher penalties, as well as proper enforcement of rules to stop the illegal and irresponsible breeding and selling of dogs.
We also want the Government to launch a public information campaign to promote responsible dog ownership and the need for training.
No10 has failed to make any firm commitments to tackling dangerous dogs, but Labour leader Keir Starmer has vowed a review of the Dangerous Dogs Act if he becomes PM.
Jack’s grieving mother Emma Whitfield last week called on Rishi Sunak to urgently change the law.
In an emotional appeal to MPs in Parliament, she said no one else should go through the misery she has endured.
"Everything I’m doing, I’m doing for Jack, and to stop another Jack from happening,” she told a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group.
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“I want to make sure that nobody else is ever put in the position of me and my family.
The Mirror is campaigning for a new Jack Lis Law to end the maulings"I know I can’t change what has happened, but there are people who have the power to change the future. I am speaking here today to try and be a part of that change."
A Defra spokesman said: “This was a deeply tragic incident and our sympathies remain with Jack’s family.
“We take the issue of dangerous dogs and fatal dog attacks seriously and are making sure enforcement measures are fully utilised.
“These measures range from Community Protection Notices that can be served for low level anti-social behaviour to offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act – where serious offences can see people put in prison for up to 14 years, disqualified from ownership or their dog euthanised if they allow it to become dangerously out of control."
:: Redfield and Wilton interviewed 1,500 adults online in Great Britain on June 7.