Dog laws not tough enough
■ I WAS scarred for life both physically and psychologically after being attacked by a dog when I was 21, and the tragic death of Esther Martin brought the memories flooding back.
I don’t think the XL Bully law is enough to stop these attacks. I count myself lucky as I’ve grown to love dogs – I know if they are raised in a loving environment they can be man’s best friend.
It’s clear, though, that even with the best will in the world from law-makers, the Dangerous Dogs Act is looking at the wrong end of the lead. That’s why I believe we should bring back dog licensing to protect the public.
We should bring in a system of digital dog licensing with financial penalties or jail time for people who are found with banned dogs.
It could be free for pensioners and the disabled, and brought in swiftly to clamp down on those who increasingly terrorise our streets. Those killed or injured in dog attacks deserve no less.
Darren Clifford, Morecambe, Lancs
■ It’s shocking to hear that despite the recent legislation on XL Bully dogs another innocent victim has been mauled to death. I’ve also noticed an increase in the number of Bull Terriers on the streets since the new ruling came into force. Some of the owners don’t muzzle their animals in public. The police now need to clamp down on offenders who don’t follow the rules leaving people like grandmother Esther Martin vulnerable to attack.
Muzzle and leash dangerous dogs or face a short prison sentence and permanent removal of your dog.
Diane Silva, Bournemouth
■ After the latest attack by the so-called American XL Bully-type dogs killing a grandmother in Jaywick, Essex, I’m not buying the nonsense that the animals’ behaviour is attributed to irresponsible ownership.
I’m a caring and responsible dog owner, but Bully-type dogs aren’t suitable as pets. The legislation on XL Bullies is woefully weak and is being ignored by some owners. An all-out ban on dangerous dogs is needed for the safety of all.
Collin Rossini, Dovercourt, Essex
■ I don’t think the legislation against XL Bullies goes far enough. I also feel that ownership of any dog should be made harder. Prospective owners should have to take a course and gain a certificate.
Dawn O’Keefe Redcar, North Yorks
■ The owner of the XL Bullies involved in Esther Martin’s death apparently had eight dogs in total in the house, which was always going to be trouble. It seems the owner was a breeder and since the ban he wouldn’t have been able to get rid of the puppies as no one would buy them.
I wonder how many others are stuck with large numbers of these big dogs in houses and how many more attacks will happen?
Tanya Drew, Westbury, Wilts
■ Since all the deaths at the hands of dangerous dogs, I have noticed many more dog owners muzzling their dogs in public, a good thing. But some breeds like the XL Bully just aren’t suitable to keep as pets.
Carol Dodds, Wakefield
■ Your editorial asked if the XL Bully ban is sufficient. My answer is, no it’s not. Idiots have these dangerous dogs as a status symbol and won’t bother getting an exemption certificate. Just ban them and jail those who own one.
Mike Baker, Hastings, East Sussex