Should the death penalty ban include animals?

We've banned the death penalty in the United Kingdom, but what about the animal kingdom?

I think that it is totally unfair that a dog has to be put to sleep if it has bitten a person. Obviously it depends on the situation, but legally - no matter what the situation, the dog will still be put down.

I was bit by a dog when i was two, the dog got put down, but had already bitten before. Since then i've somehow become to love dogs and want to work with them in the future. They are amazing creatures - friendly, domesticated, sweet and six-sensing companions.

Today, outside greggs, a dog was left outside the shop, when all of a sudden there was a cry and i heared a lady who'd come in asking for a bowl of water. Yes utter shock and the whole of everyones attention would turn to the crying child who is going through terrible pain of course, and i wouldnt wish it on anyone...but she's not going to die from it. Me, i got a paper stitch and was fine, just left a scar - if hers was deeper then it would just be stitched and obviously also leave a scar. Whereas the dog, reunited with its owner who would have to be questioned by the police, would now be facing a dealth penalty. How about looking it at the dogs point of view:

Owner leaves dog on lead outside greggs to get a bit of food, and joins the queue. Whilst outside, the dog, feeling lonely (i've seen dogs wimper and cry out for their owners when left alone) will also be feeling defenceless and more alert and anxious than usual. A happy little girl sitting on her buggy is pushed towards the queue of greggs (which is now outside the shop) near the dog. Obviously the childs instinct would be 'aww cute dog, i want to stroke him' so she would, this may be too much for the dog as its feeling escapeless and children arent that good at patting animals softly, so that dog, out of the only defence it has left, gives the child a little nip to warn her off, except the little nip intended from the frightened dog hurt her and she had to be taken by ambulance to the hopsital to be sorted out.

Surely, from self defence if the dog is a friendly and caring dog, it should not be put down. At most, the owner could be sued, have to take the dog to behavioural classes and wear a muzzle. The bite isnt going the kill the child, so the dog should NOT be put down.

Also, on this subject - what about the parent or guardian that was pushing the buggy? If i had a child, i wouldnt push them near to a strange dog, so the child should have been no where near it in the first place.

I'd like to know your views on this as i'm feeling very strongly about it today.

I would also like to propose the idea that instead of it just being law that the dog has to be put down, the concequence should depend on the situation and seriousness of the injury, as well as the views of the people involved - just like when an unconscious woman had her face bitten by her dog in order for her to be awakened - she didnt want her dog to be put to sleep - he had saved her life and had to pay for it with his - how is that justice?

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