The House of Lords is to debate plans to give councils new powers to target the owners of dangerous dogs.

The introduction of so-called "dogbos" - anti-social behaviour orders for dog owners - will be discussed by peers as part of efforts to replace legislation in place since 1991.

Under the proposals, local authorities would be able to impose restrictions on the owners of problem dogs.

Lib Dem peer Lord Redesdale said owners must be responsible for pets' actions.

The peer's proposed Dog Control Bill would replace the Dangerous Dogs Act, which has been in place for two decades despite being much-maligned at the time.

New sanctions
More than 100 people every week are still admitted to hospital after dog attacks.

The 1991 legislation banned ownership, breeding, sale or exchange of four types of dogs: the pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the dogo Argentino and the fila Brasileiro.

It also gave police powers to deal with any dogs, of whatever breed, that became out of control in a public place - with the ultimate sanction for a dog to be destroyed. Amendments in 1997 gave courts discretion over this and over sentencing of owners.

Critics have long argued that the Dangerous Dogs Act 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 the BBC there was a clear need for the legislation to be improved.

"What the bill is saying is that the owner is responsible for the actions of the dog and therefore sanctions can be taken against the owner," he said.

"But it is not just focusing on the four breeds in the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991. It says any dog can be dangerous."

As a private member's bill, the proposed legislation is not guaranteed to become law. It is being considered in the Lords before moving to the Commons.

The last government ruled out plans to force all dog owners to insure against their pets attacking people, deciding that they did not want to penalise responsible dog owners.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12645088