Soapbox: Simple commands will prevent injuries

If you let your dog injure someone, you can be sent to prison for up to two years and/or fined.

If you deliberately use your dog to injure someone you could be charged with ‘malicious wounding’ and the maximum penalty is five years in prison.

But there is a simple way to stop all of these attacks immediately.

All dogs on and off the lead must be taught the “sit” and “down” commands.

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That way, a postman can say “sit” or “down”

for example and end any problem that might occur.

I owned a dog which weighed 65kg and it never attacked anyone, but we were attacked every day by people who could not control their dogs.

Her name was Hoshi and after I suffered a stroke, she gave me back my life. I miss her every day.

I think dog wardens should be able to test every dog and if they cannot sit or go down, they should be able to issue an on-the-spot fine of £100 to be split up among charities.

I have taught many dogs to do this but most of their owners are too irresponsible to learn.

If you can't do it, then take your dog to a trainer and get them to teach your dog the very simple commands.

Anyone who has a dog owes it to them.

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