Lords ' debate ' penalties in dogbo pet owners

  pit bull terrier was among four dogs banned in 1991, the House of Lords discussed plans to give councils new powers to target with the owners of dangerous dogs.

Proposals submitted by Lord Redesdale will see restrictions is known as "dogbos" for owners of dogs.

The Lib Dem peer said laws in place since 1991, is designed to avoid the attacks did not work and owners should be held responsible for pets.

The Ministers said they did not back the proposal, but was consulted about other changes to provide greater protection.

The peer wants to replace the dangerous dogs Act, which has for two decades, despite the fact that these much-condemned by at the time.

' Big problem '

The 1991 law prohibits ownership, reproduction, sale or exchange of four types of dogs: the pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, dogo fila Brasileiro and Mexico.

Also gave the police powers to deal with any dog, regardless of race, which took place outside of the control in a public space-the final sanction for a dog to be destroyed. Amendments in 1997 gave the courts discretion on this over the condemnation of the owners.

Some critics argue that the law was poorly conceived and rushed through Parliament without proper scrutiny but its supporters argue that it was necessary and has improved the situation.

Lord Redesdale told peers that there is a clear need for legislation to improve as more than 100 people each week was still admitted to hospital after dog attacks.

"We have a big problem with the control of dogs in this country," he said. "The situation brought about by the Act of 1991 was to create a situation where people own dogs for the wrong reasons. State of dogs now belong to young men purely to cause fear amongst others. "

As a member of a private Bill, the proposed legislation is unlikely to become law.

For the Government, Lord De Mauley said Ministers were "good" public concerns about dangerous dogs and taking into account a number of options, including changes in law, as part of the consultation on the issue.

The last Government blocked plans to force all dog owners to insure against attacking people, they decide that they wanted to punish responsible dog owners and their pets.

Labour urged Ministers to convene a meeting of politicians and animal welfare groups to find a way forward on the issue.

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