Proposal to tighten Dangerous Dogs Act months after John Paul tragedy

John Paul Massey

The Dangerous Dogs Act could be toughened under new plans to be announced by the Government on Tuesday.

The proposal would mean all dog owners in England and Wales would have to insure, microchip and even muzzle their pet in a bid to tackle dangerous breeds.

The announcement comes just months after four-year-old John Paul Massey was mauled to death by an illegal bulldog at his grandmother's house in Wavertree.

Less than two years earlier Ellie Lawrence, 5, from St Helens, was killed on New Year's Eve after being attacked by her uncle's pitbull.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson and Environment Minister intend to review the 1991 Act, which is widely considered to be full of loopholes.

The original Act banned four types - the pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the dogo Argentinos and the fila brasileiros - from public places.

The Government hopes to broaden the legislation to include people's homes, as ministers are concerned that dangerous animals are not being put down, despite violent attacks, because the Act does not cover private property.

More than 100 people are hospitalised each week after dog attacks.

Dog fighting and illegal ownership have become an increasing problem, particularly with gangs using dangerous dogs as status symbols.

Mr Johnson said: “There is no doubt that some people breed and keep dogs for the sole purpose of intimidating others – in a sense, they are using their dogs as a weapon.

“It is this sort of behaviour that we will not tolerate. It is this behaviour we are determined to stop.”

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