Lloyd call for ‘dog asbo’ rethink

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd

NEW laws forcing irresponsible dog owners to control their dangerous pets need to include powerful dog control orders says Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd.

The legislation currently going through parliament will see longer sentences for people who let their animals attack or kill, as well as extending the law to apply on private property.

But a measure to introduce dog control orders - which would try to prevent attacks by dealing with bad behaviour at an early stage, was removed.

Mr Lloyd is urging the Government to reintroduce the measure, sometimes known as the “dog asbo”, and is asking Greater Manchester to back him by completing a simple survey on his website.

He said: “It’s really welcome news the Government is planning to give more powers to the courts when owners allow their animals to attack, but we all know prevention is better than cure. Dog control notices are a vital tool to ensure action is taken before it gets to the stage that someone is seriously injured or killed.”

To have your say, visit Mr Lloyd’s website at www.gmpcc.org.uk/dogs and complete the short survey, which runs until September 12.