Today new, stiffer sentencing guidelines for owners of dangerous dogs, including up to 18 months in prison for the most serious offenders, came into force.

This is an issue that I’ve been increasingly contacted about by my constituents, so I welcome the Sentencing Council's recognition that punishments needed to be tougher. The new guidelines will mean more offenders will face jail sentences, more will get community orders and fewer will receive discharges.

Too often irresponsible owners who effectively train and goad their pets into hurting or scaring residents get off with a slap on the wrist. This is a welcome step in the right direction to protect my constituents and I fully support it.