Owners of killer dogs to face jail in Australia

AUSTRALIA: Owners of killer dogs could be jailed for up to 10 years under new laws announced Tuesday after the death of a four-year-old girl in Australia who was savagely mauled by a neighbour's pet.

Victoria state Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh said four new offences would be added to the Crimes Act so owners of dangerous, menacing or restricted dog breeds could be jailed if their animal endangered a life or caused death.

"We are sending a clear message to owners of these dogs: if your animal endangers life or kills somebody, you will be held accountable," Walsh said. "The most serious offences apply if the dog in question kills another person and carries the same penalties as dangerous driving causing death."

The state government move follows the death of Ayen Chol in August after the child was ripped from her mother and mauled by a neighbour's pitbull-mastiff cross which ran into her Melbourne home.

The changes mean that owners of dangerous dogs will also be fined up to Aus$2,442 (US$2,525) should they fail to notify local authorities if they move address or if the animal escapes. AFP