SEATTLE -- Some pit bull advocates are leading the call for prosecutors to charge the owner of a dog that mauled a neighbor with a felony, reported KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

The advocates said using the dangerous dog law puts the focus on the deed committed and not the dog’s breed.

Glen Bui of the American Canine Foundation helped write Washington’s dangerous dog law five years ago.

Bui said the law is the country’s toughest.

“The law needs to be used in this case. This case has all the criteria for charging the owner with a felony,” said Bui.

Under state law, the owner of any dog that aggressively attacks unprovoked and causes severe injury or death can be charged with a felony.

The penalty is up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

For a repeat offender, the felony applies if the dog simply bites.

Bui said the law makes more sense than banning pit bulls or any specific breed.

“If we start singling out breeds, we're not going to reach the overall goal of stopping irresponsible ownership,” said Bui.

In King County, prosecutors have used the dangerous dog law just once.

When dog attacks are heard in court, they’re usually civil matters settled by insurance companies before trial.

Seattle attorney Christopher Davis has filed a few dozen dog-related lawsuits in the last few years.

Davis said that often the settlements, especially when the victim is a child, could be in the six figures range.