THE introduction of new powers to allow police to take stronger action over dangerous dogs which attack on private party are welcomed by this newspaper.

It is something the Telegraph & Argus has long called for as part of our Curb the Danger Dogs campaign.

But for Christopher Hirst, the strengthening of the Dangerous Dogs act sadly came too late.

We report today on the devastating injuries he suffered when he was savaged in a brutal dog attack while trying to deliver medication to a house in Bierley.

An American bulldog savaged both his arms, having a bone ripped from his right one.

Sadly, despite months of treatment and hours of painful surgery, medics were unable to save that arm and it has now been amputated.

That is a horrific life-changing consequence that has impacted heavily on him and his family.

Police investigated, but their powers were restricted under the old law because the attack happened in a private garden.

It is possible that this horrendous attack would have happened whether the law had been strengthened or not.

But at least the police would have been able to investigate fully and decide if anyone was culpable.

And the only real way to reduce this type of attack is to ensure irresponsible owners who allow their pets to behave in this sort of way face stronger sentences to set an example to others.