I HAVE read in sheer horror of the tragic death of Clifford Clarke, who was mauled to death by a crazed Spanish fighting dog.

The dog’s two owners had not fed it for nearly two days, so understandably the dog was desperate for some food.

The dog rushed into an open kitchen where Mr Clarke was cooking some stew, clamped its jaws around his arms and caused fatal wounds.

Mr Clarke’s brother later commented: “The simplest thing in the world is to get a muzzle.”

The Government recently changed the law after a long series of attacks, so that irresponsible owners whose dogs maim or kill people and animals can now expect to receive up to 14 years in prison.

This is obviously a deterrent to make owners more aware of the consequences of not controlling a dangerous dog but, as Mr Clarke’s brother has said, muzzles would be the answer to stop the attacks happening in the first place.

Why the Government hasn’t thought of this solution in the first place is beyond me, given that there are so many potentially dangerous breeds these days. Surely the law should be changed to ensure muzzles should be fitted to all these types of dogs before leaving their houses.

This would save people and other animals’ lives, ensure the owners don’t end up in prison and save the offending dog having to be put down.

STUART COOPER
Watermill Way
Headington
Oxford

Today’s letters

Want to give your opinion? Email letters@oxfordmail.co.uk