Owners of dangerous dogs face fines of up to 20,000 pounds

Owners of dangerous dogs in the UK face fines of up to 20,000 pounds if they fail to take steps prevent their pets from attacking, as new laws come into force from Monday amid a spate of fatal attacks.
Under new rules, authorities in England and Wales will be able to demand owners be trained, muzzle dogs or insert microchips.
It follows changes made earlier this year enabling prosecution for a dog attack on private property.
UK's Animal Welfare Minister Lord de Mauley said the government was taking "tough action" against negligent owners.
For the first time, police and authorities will be able to demand that owners take action to prevent a dog attack or face a fine of up to 20,000 pounds.

Prison sentences for owners of violent dogs were extended earlier this year as part of changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Owners now face a maximum of 14 years for a fatal dog attack, five years for an injury and three years for an attack on an assistance dog.
In 2013, 6,740 people required hospital treatment in Britain for dog attacks - an increase of six per cent from 2012.
In total, eight adults and 13 children have died from dog attacks since 2005.
In October last year, Jade Anderson, 14, was mauled to death by a dog, but the owner could not be prosecuted under the Dangerous Dogs Act because it did not happen in a public place.

But in May, the Act was amended to allow prosecution if the pet attacked someone who was on private property, regardless of the circumstances by which they were there.
"Dog attacks are devastating for victims and their families which is why we are taking tough action against those who allow them to happen," de Mauley said.
"Police and local authorities will now have more powers to demand that irresponsible dog owners take steps to prevent attacks before they occur."
Around nine postmen and women are attacked by dogs across the UK every day.
Shaun Davis, Royal Mail director of safety, health, wellbeing and sustainability, said he was "pleased" with the new measure.

A manual will be released alongside the new legislation to help guide local and police authorities.