Poll: Will dog training classes help protect people from potentially dangerous animals?

New legal powers aimed at preventing thousands of dog attacks every year will be given to police forces and local authorities from Monday.

Police and local authorities will be able to demand that owners take action to prevent a dog attack or risk a fine of up to £20,000.

If a complaint has been made about a dog to the council or police, its owner could be ordered to attend dog training classes, muzzle the animal or require it to be on a lead in public.

Powers will also be given to require a dog to be microchipped and/or neutered and for fencing to be repaired to prevent a dog leaving a property.

Animal Welfare Minister Lord de Mauley said: "Dog attacks are devastating for victims and their families which is why we are taking tough action against those who allow them to happen.

"Police and local authorities will now have more powers to demand that irresponsible dog owners take steps to prevent attacks before they occur. This is on top of the tougher prison sentences we introduced earlier this year for owners who allow their dogs to attack people and assistance dogs."

Shaun Davis, of the Royal Mail, said: "Royal Mail campaigned for changes to the Dangerous Dog Act to ensure our postmen and women are protected when they enter private property, including a customer's garden. We are pleased that these further changes will help police forces and local authorities use their new legal powers to prevent dog attacks."

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