Last week the Liberal Democrat MP for Southport John Pugh called for a vetting system to be put in place to ensure “dangerous dogs” do not fall into the wrong hands.

Speaking in the House of Commons John Pugh suggested that a test be implemented for those who wish to keep breeds of dogs with a known character.

He said: “We do not let a criminal or unsuitable person have lawful possession of a firearm or a weapon.

“Given the known temperament of certain breeds of dog, could we not insist on a fit and proper person test as a precondition of owning a dangerous dog?

“After all, criminals to have a proclivity for precisely these breeds.”

Controversy surrounds the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which is the main legislation currently covering dog ownership in the UK.

The act bans the breeding and sale or exchange of four kinds of dog – pit bull terriers, Japanese Tosas, the Dogo Argentinos and the Fila Brasileiros. Cross-breeds of those dogs are also covered by the law.

The Stockport Visiter reported that one person who was involved in a dog attack victim, in April this year, believes that all dogs should be licensed irrespective of its breed.

The retired resident, who did not want to be named, was walking her three Jack Russells when the incident happened.

She said: “I was on my way home when I spotted this huge Labrador dog with its owner.

“All of a sudden the dog came running towards me and my dogs. I was petrified.

“I jumped behind a car for protection but the dog just jumped on me and knocked me to the ground. I put out my hands to protect my dogs and it bit me hard.

“When I got up there was blood everywhere and I wasn’t sure whether it was from me or the dogs.”