Owners of killer dogs could face life in jail

Chloe Walker - savaged by a dog in 2011 and now scarred for life.

THE owners of killer dogs could face life in prison — a huge leap from the current maximum of two years.

Higher sentences for irresponsible owners who allow their dogs to attack members of the public have been put out to consultation by the Government.

For owners whose dogs kill their victims, life imprisonment is an option, with a 10-year maximum for causing injury or killing a guide dog.

Sixteen people have been killed by dangerous dogs since 2005 — including 14–year–old Jade Anderson who was savaged by four dogs in the Wigan area in March.

In Oldham Chloe Walker, from Shaw, called for new legislation for dog attacks on private property after being attacked by a Japanese Akita/Rottweiler cross when she visited a friend’s relative.

The 16 year old suffered a fractured cheekbone and had her lips torn and needed two operations and more than 100 stitches. Legislation doesn’t currently cover attacks in private premises.