Councillors are calling on the Government to take action on dangerous dogs in a bid to cut the number of serious attacks in Bradford.

Mohammad Masood (Con, Heaton) is behind the motion to be put before Tuesday's full Council meeting.

He says there has been an increase in the number of incidents concerning stray and dangerous dogs in the district and that there are many loopholes in the law.

He is calling for the legislation on dangerous dogs - which was introduced after Bradford girl Rucksana Khan was mauled by a dog 15 years ago - to be reviewed and changed.

He is also demanding that the Council supports a compulsory national dog registration scheme to help identify a pet's owners.

"I was prompted by the number of incidents involving dogs that have happened all over Bradford in the last few months - but particularly in my ward," said Coun Masood.

"What we will try to do is identify loopholes within the existing legislation then call on the Government to try to come up with an amendment to the legislation.

"I have nothing against dogs; we are against irresponsible dog owners and they are a very tiny minority." The Telegraph & Argus has reported on a number of dog attacks this year.

The most recent was a matter of weeks ago when a cross-bred puppy was savaged by a bull terrier in Northcliffe Woods.

The Labrador/springer spaniel Rocky was being walked by Julie Topham and her two children when the attack happened.

The white bull terrier was without a lead or collar when it attacked Rocky and pulled Mrs Topham to the ground.

Earlier last month 11-year-old Levi Gatenby needed 18 stitches in his face after a dog bit him while he played with friends in Great Horton, Bradford.

The series of dog attacks has prompted campaigners into gathering signatures to a petition.

The community safety campaign group SAFE is calling on the Council to enforce the legislation designed to protect the public from dangerous dogs. And they want the number of dog wardens in the district to be increased.

It follows an attack on the Heaton Woods Trust chairman Sue Brown who was viciously attacked by a Rottweiler in July.

She suffered serious injuries to her right arm as she walked in the woods. Mrs Brown, who was the teacher of Rucksana Khan, and has since branded the Dangerous Dogs Act "impotent".

e-mail: jo.winrow@bradford.newsquest.co.uk