My second petition, unfortunately, comes at a very fitting time. Late last year I was approached by Courtney's Campaign in connection with a vicious dog biting incident in my Constituency. Last year nine-year-old Courtney Walker was bitten across the face in her neighbour's garden by the neighbour's pet bull mastiff. As the attack took place on the dog owner's property, Greater Manchester police have been unable to call for any criminal punishments.

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, a court can call for the destruction of a dog if it is considered to have been dangerous in a public place or in a private place where it is not permitted to be, but not in an easily accessible private place on the dog owner's own property.

The petition reads

To the House of Commons

The Petition of Courtney's Campaign,

Declares that Courtney Walker's face was changed beyond recognition by an unprovoked vicious attack by a Bull Mastiff Dog.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons legislate to amend the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 so that it can also be applied to a dog dangerously out of control on private property on which it is permitted to be, if that dog does injure a person when out of control.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.

To lie upon the Table.