Jade Anderson Death: Family Calls For Change In Law Governing Dangerous Dogs

Jade Anderson's Family Call For Change In Dangerous Dogs Law

The family of a teenager mauled to death by a pack of dogs have launched a petition for a change in the law after police said they were unlikely to prosecute anybody over the attack.

Jade Anderson, aged 14, was alone at a friend's home in Chaucer Grove, Atherton, near Wigan, on March 26 when she was attacked by four dogs - believed to be two bull mastiffs and two Staffordshire bull terriers.

Tributes are paid near the scene of the tragedy

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said last week they could not prove a crime had been committed and so were unlikely to make a prosecution, although added that one may be brought in the future.

The dogs involved in the attack, which happened on private property, were not illegal breeds.

In response Jade's family have begun an online petition calling for the law to be updated.

More than 400 people have supported the "Justice for Jade" petition, set up by relative John Anderson, which will trigger a Commons debate if it reaches 100,000 signatures.

He believes dog owners should be made accountable for their dogs on private property, and urged for more regulation of "certain" breeds.

The petition says he wants to save other families from "suffering like we have".

Mother Shirley Lomas-Anderson told The Sun she was "furious" about the law restrictions.

"It's unbelievable, outrageous that no action is being taken," she said.

"The police said they had to abide by the law, but we'll never let this go.

"People need to be held responsible for their actions."

She described her daughter as her "best friend".

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said last week: "At this stage of the inquiry, we do not have anything evidentially to categorically prove a crime has been committed, therefore it is unlikely at this stage we will be seeking to bring a prosecution.

"That is not to say that no prosecution will ever be brought, and we still have a number of inquiries to make.

"While we do not want to be drawn on the politics surrounding the legislation of dangerous dogs, we are nonetheless bound by the law.

"As always, our thoughts are with Jade's family, and we continue to offer them support at such a difficult time in their lives.''

The four dogs were later shot by police marksmen, while a fifth dog, which was not considered a danger to the public, was "contained'' at the scene.

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