What are the laws on dangerous dogs in the UK and how could they change?
There were almost 22,000 cases of injuries from out of control dogs last year
The mother of a 10-year-old boy who was killed by a dog has called for a change in the law to prevent more deaths.
Jack Lis died in November 2021 after he was attacked by an XL Bully dog in Pentwyn, Wales.
The XL Bully, developed from the American pit bull terrier, is not recognised as an official breed by the UK’s Kennel Club.
His mother, Emma Whitfield, 32, is calling for the introduction of the "Jack Lis Law", named after her son.
She has called for an overhaul of the Dangerous Dogs Act to bring in tougher penalties and enforcement surrounding illegal breeding and selling.
On Tuesday, the prime minister's official spokesman said a working group involving the police, councils and animal welfare experts is looking at ways to reduce dog attacks and promote responsible ownership.
“There have been some horrific cases and our thoughts and sympathies are with those that have been affected,” he said.
“We know dog attacks can lead to tragic consequences and that’s why we have a number of measures in place to protect people.”
Read more: Dangerous dog destroyed after leaving man seriously injured in vicious attack
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, which is backing the campaign, Whitfield said: "I still have terrible flashbacks. I still see the animal and its teeth. I hear the barking.
"You relive it multiple times a day – it’s torture.
"I still find it unbelievable. Sat on the sofa or on the way home, it hits you all over again."
The owner of the dog, Brandon Hayden, then 19, was sentenced in June 2022 to more than four years at a young offenders’ institution and Amy Salter, then 29, was jailed for three years after they pleaded guilty to being in charge of the out of control dog, which was named Beast.
In the 18 months since Jack's death, a further 15 people have lost their lives in dog attacks in the UK, while there were almost 22,000 cases of injuries from out-of-control dogs last year.
"Enough is enough. This has to stop," Whitfield said.
"It’s mind-blowing how it keeps happening. It should never have happened to Jack but why has nobody learned from this?
"Innocent people are dying. The government needs to act now. It’s out of control and there are people losing their kids because of this. I want to stop this happening."
The campaign for the "Jack Lis Law" is backed by the Daily Mirror and the Dog Control Coalition – which includes the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
They are calling for a different approach to dog legislation that includes all dogs and focuses on breeding, training and the sale of dogs.
The RSPCA's head of companion animals, Dr Samantha Gaines, said: "The Dangerous Dogs Act has failed to protect the public from the risk of bites, we want a new approach.
"It is also essential measures are available to deter and punish owners of dogs whose behaviour is dangerous."
What dog breeds are banned in the UK?
According to the government, there are four dog breeds that are illegal to own:
Pit bull terrier
Japanese Tosa
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
While the breeds themselves are banned, there are also activities associated with them that are illegal in the UK.
Under the guidelines of the Dangerous Dogs Act, which came into effect in 1991, anyone who owns – or sells, abandons, gives away or breeds from – an illegal breed faces punishment.
The maximum punishment could be up to six months in prison or an unlimited fine or both, while community orders can also be handed out, depending on the perceived risk factor to the public.
The dogs will also be destroyed.
Anyone with a banned dog can have it removed by the police or local council, even if there have been no complaints and the dog is not acting dangerously.
Police can also seize a banned dog without a warrant if seen in a public place – experts will then determine if the animal is an illegal breed.
Courts can determine that a banned dog is not a danger to the public and will allow an owner to keep it if put on the Index of Exempted Dogs (IED).
However, the dog must be neutered, microchipped, kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public and kept in a secure place so it cannot escape.
Owners must be over 16 and also take out insurance against the dog injuring other people, while the certificate of exemption must be shown to police or council dog wardens when asked.
Watch: Boy, 10, was trapped in house with 'large and powerful' dog
