Guideline users should be aware that the Equal Treatment Bench Book covers important aspects of fair treatment and disparity of outcomes for different groups in the criminal justice system. It provides guidance which sentencers are encouraged to take into account wherever applicable, to ensure that there is fairness for all involved in court proceedings.
See Step 6 of the relevant guideline for dangerous dog offences:
- Breeding, selling, exchanging or advertising a prohibited dog, Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, s.1(7)
- Owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control in any place in England and Wales (whether or not a public place), Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, s.3(1)
- Owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control in any place in England and Wales (whether or not a public place) where a person is injured, Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, s.3(1)
- Owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control in any place in England and Wales (whether or not a public place) where an assistance dog is injured or killed, Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, s.3(1)
- Owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control in any place in England and Wales (whether or not a public place) where death is caused, Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, s.3(1)
- Possession of a prohibited dog, Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, s.1(7)