By Heather Saul
The Independent
MANCHESTER — The owners of killer dogs could face life in prison under new proposals if an online petition garners enough public support.
Proposals for a significant jump from the current maximum jail sentence of two years to up to life imprisonment were launched today by Lord de Mauley.
The public response to the consultation will factor into the Government’s decision to change the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act.
Sixteen people have been killed by dangerous dogs since 2005, including 14-year-old Jade Anderson who was savaged by four dogs - believed to be two bull mastiffs and two Staffordshire bull terriers - as she was visiting the home of a friend near Wigan, Greater Manchester, in March.
Full story: Dangerous dogs: Owners could face life in prison if pet kills