Over the years, there has been a disturbing number of dangerous dogs in the UK. In fact, many breeders out there breed and train these dogs to be as vicious as possible, but why? Well, the truth of the matter is that many people out there buy these animals as a form of protection. In a sense, the dog is a weapon and will help them ward off any trouble in the area. But, what about when things go wrong? New government guidelines say that there will be harsh penalties for the dog trainers.

The rise of dangerous dogs

Since the early 2000’s, there has been a notable difference in the number of hazardous dogs in the UK. During this time, many people have started to breed and sell aggressive animals. Whereas before now their penalties may have been quite average, things have changed. Now, the courts can sentence people to prison time if they breed a dog that bites and injures someone.

What are the guidelines?

The guidelines state that if a breeder trains a dog to be dangerous, they are culpable for the animal. So, if that dog kills someone in an act of violence, the breeder will have to face the consequences of that. In the case of death, a breeder will have to serve 14 years in prison. The police hope that these new rules will deter people from training dogs to kill. With the problem getting worse every year, though, it might be a case of too little, too late.

What are the potential risks?

When a breeder trains a dog to be violent, they will often punish the animal for no real reason. That is to say that they will abuse the dog so that it has a distrust of people. When the animal meets new people, it will want to attack them. Much of the time, people’s medical insurance will not cover dog bites or attacks. That means that the cost of health care for victims will skyrocket. Aside from that, many dog owners can’t control their animals. That means that they can’t prevent them from killing other animals or humans. Dog owners are strongly advised to have a dog fencing installation around their property to keep the dogs from wandering around unsupervised.

What action should you take?

If you are the victim of a dog bite, you can take civil action against the owner as well. Zaner Harden lawyers say that it is much easier than you might imagine to make a claim. When a dog bites you, though, it is crucial that you take action as soon as you can. You should also see a medical professional so that you have proof of the incident.

Penalties and fines

So, what are the criminal penalties when it comes to dangerous dogs? Well, in many instances, the courts will order the destruction of the animal. That means that a vet will have to put down the dog. The dog owner and breeder may face significant jail time. These penalties should stop people from breeding and buying these animals. When they get these dogs, they put everyone around them at risk.