Dog Attack: Family Calls For New Ownership Laws
By Sky News.
The brother of a man killed in a dog attack in
Liverpool has called for tougher ownership laws as he paid tribute to
his sibling.
Merseyside Police found his body and were confronted by a dog that was described by officers as "out of control".
In a tribute to the 79-year-old, younger brother Kenny Clarke described him as an "easy-going man".
He said: "He did his own thing and made a point about helping others.
"He loved his local pub - the Farmer's Arms - and had many old friends of his there who will miss him dearly.
"He did not deserve this so please put your support behind new laws for dog owners because you would not like any of your loved ones to have this happen to them.
"Our family are heartbroken."
Armed officers destroyed the animal outside the pensioner's home in Richard Kelly Close. The breed of dog has not yet been established.
Two women, aged 27 and 28, were arrested on suspicion of an offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act, 1991.
They were rearrested and questioned a day later on suspicion of manslaughter before being bailed.
It is understood that the dog belonged to the house next door to Mr Clarke.
A post-mortem found he had died from multiple injuries consistent with a dog attack.
Locals said there were three dogs in the neighbouring property, two of which were described as calm and the other more aggressive.
A national debate about the law around dangerous dogs and dog attacks was sparked two months ago after a 14-year-old girl was savaged to death by a pack of dogs at a house in Greater Manchester.
Jade Anderson was attacked by up to five dogs at a house she was visiting in Chaucer Grove, Atherton near Wigan. The animals were shot by police.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 means it is an offence to be the owner of a dog that is dangerously out of control in a public place but it does not apply to attacks that take place on private land.