Crime: Government urged to curb 'weapon dogs'

Owners of dogs bred for violence should receive the same punishment as criminals found with knives, campaigners said yesterday.

Victims of savage dog attacks joined forces to urge the Government to step up its work to tackle the menace of the aggressive animals.

They have thrown their weight behind a pledge demanding action from legislators to do more to protect the public from intimidation and violence, backing the online petition at www.london.gov.uk/dangerousdogs.

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Campaigners want penalties for using certain breeds as weapons to be matched to knife possession, which can lead to four-year jail terms.

They also want legislation to be extended so police can seize dangerous dogs anywhere, including those involved in attacks on private property.

Punishments should also be introduced that tackle the behaviour of owners after their dog has been involved in an attack or found to be out of control, the campaigners said.

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