The animal that did this to little Paige Foster's face is NOT deemed to be dangerous - prompting calls for a change in the laws governing dogs.

Paige's parents Lee-Anne Harvey and Alan Foster were horrified when their one-year-old daughter required stitches after she was bitten on the face by a family friend's dog.

But when her parents reported the matter to the police, they were told no action could be taken against the pet.

Miss Harvey said a police officer told them the animal - believed to be a Jack Russell - was not covered under the Dangerous Dogs Act and the incident had not taken place when the dog was out of control in a public place.

She was told the incident was not a criminal offence and if she wanted to take the matter further she would have to start civil proceedings.

Miss Harvey, of Greatwood Avenue, Skipton, said: "I was appalled and I've lost all faith in the legal system. Would I have had to have lost my daughter for them to take action?"

Paige was with her grandmother at a house on Rombalds Drive, Skipton, on Saturday when the incident occurred. It is thought the animal went for Paige as she ate a biscuit.

After going to Skipton General and Airedale General Hospitals, Paige was transferred to Bradford Royal Infirmary for treatment for wounds to her cheek and lips.

Miss Harvey said: "She's been brave. It's not just the fact the dog has bitten her, it's the ordeal she has been through and she's not even two yet."

Mr Foster, who lives on North Parade, Skipton, said his daughter might be left with scarring and possible nerve damage. He added staff on Paige's ward said they had treated five children over two days who had all been involved in dog attacks.

Paige's parents said they wanted to warn other people that it could happen to their child.

A spokesman for DEFRA, the Government department responsible for dog legislation, said: "We have recently been undertaking a review of the dangerous dogs legislation.

"The Dangerous Dogs Act prohibits four types of dog that had been identified as bred specifically for fighting.

"The Act also makes it an offence to allow any type or breed to be dangerously out of control in a public place, or in a private place where it has no right to be. Our conclusion is that parts of the law, particularly with regard to dog attacks in the home, may need reform."