Campaigner seeks tougher dog attack laws for pets

A woman is campaigning for a change in the law after her cat was attacked by a dog and left for dead.

Under section three of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it is an offence to allow any dog, regardless of breed, to be dangerously out of control.

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said dog attacks on other animals may amount to an offence under the Act, but it is down to the police and Crown Prosecution Service to decide on individual cases.

Victoria Ireland, a cat owner from Shrewsbury, said it was not enough and called for all serious dog attacks on companion animals to be recorded and properly investigated.

Ireland, whose cat Sandy was "left in the bushes, fighting for her life" after being attacked on 7 April, said dog owners should have a responsibility to report these attacks too.

She said Sandy managed to crawl home by dragging her seriously injured back legs. She had also suffered damage to her nerves and tendons, had a collapsed lung, damaged liver, blood loss and was in severe shock.

Ireland added that the cat was "close to death".

However, vets were able to treat Sandy and she has since made a full recovery.

Ireland said: "Considering she had puncture wounds all over her body that were six inches deep, it is a miracle that she survived. But it could have been a totally different story, she could have died."

Later, Ireland was given doorbell footage of the attack, which she described as "extremely distressing" to watch.

It also inspired her to take action.

Ireland said she was "surprised and baffled" to be told by the police the case would not be passed on to the Crown Prosecution Service.

"I'd just assumed that the law would protect my pet and I thought that something could be done," she said.

She highlighted the law protecting livestock from dog attacks, which was strengthened earlier this year, adding it is "a bit frustrating that they don't seem to give companion animals the same protection".

Through her new campaign and petition for "Sandy's Law", she said she hopes to raise awareness of existing legislation and secure a debate at Shropshire Council.

"Things need to change for our companion animals," she said.

A DEFRA spokesperson said: "Dog attacks on pets can have a devastating impact on owners and we take these incidents seriously.

"We continue to work with the police, local authorities and animal welfare groups to encourage responsible dog ownership across all breeds and ensure the current dog control rules protect communities."

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