To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on further measures the Government will take to prevent attacks on children by dangerous dogs. [115891]

Under the Dogs Act 1871 a magistrates court may make an order for the control or destruction of a dog that is dangerous and not kept under proper control. This Act applies everywhere, including in and around a private house. The Dangerous Dogs Acts 1991 and 1997 increased the range of penalties available to the court to deal with offenders whose dog is dangerously out of control in a public place. The Dangerous Dogs Acts have also placed restrictions over the ownership of types of dogs that have the characteristics of a type bred for fighting. I have no plans to introduce additional measures.