This newspaper has for many years been at the vanguard of calls for action on the issue of dangerous dogs being dealt with by the courts.

The launch of a public consultation on what sentencing guidelines should be available to courts when dealing with such cases would appear to be a step in the right direction.

But this is an issue that has not been adequately tackled since the horrific attack on the then six-year-old Rukhsana Khan in Bradford 20 years ago.

And while clearer guidelines on sentencing for the courts should make it easier to impose appropriate sentences on irresponsible, negligent and reckless owners of careless dogs, this will in itself not go far enough.

The vast majority of dogs in this country are deserving of the tag man’s best friend. Sadly, there are still too many irresponsible owners who treat dogs as status symbols or accessories, and it is often the most dangerous breeds that are owned by them.

The Telegraph & Argus would like to see compulsory registration and micro-chipping for all dogs and life bans on ownership for anyone convicted of having a dangerous dog. We would also like to see a return of some sort of licensing system, and to force all owners to have insurance. This still would not eradicate the issue of those who are determined to own dangerous dogs which are illegal in this country, but it would make it more difficult for them.

In the meantime, we would urge anyone who has concerns about this issue to make their views known through this consultation on sentencing.

The threat of tougher punishment may make some think twice about owning a dangerous dog.

But making all owners more accountable through registration and insurance is ultimately the only measures that are going to have a real impact. It may inconvenience many responsible dog owners, but if it saves another little girl or boy from the horrific injuries suffered by Rukhsana, that is a price they will have to accept.