Dangerous dog owners evading jail, figures show

Owners of dangerous dogs are being spared jail by the courts, a new Freedom of Information request reveal.

The Mirror reports nearly 400 owners were found guilty of dangerous dog offences in the past five years, but prison sentences were handed down to just 48 of them.

Nearly half – 174 offenders – were given a community or suspended sentence and 90 got a fine or conditional charge, the Freedom of Information request reveals.

The Mirror is campaigning on Time for Action on Danger Dogs after a spate of fatal attacks on children and adults.