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Call You and Yours: Is the Dangerous Dogs Act fit for purpose?

There have been five fatal dog attacks in homes since 2007 - four of them on children - and hospital admissions for serious dog bites have more than doubled over the past decade, according to figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Now DEFRA has announced changes to the 1991 act in an attempt to clamp down on people who fail to control their dogs and reduce attacks.

It will now be an offence for pet owners to 'fail to control their animals within their house or garden' - previously only public land was covered. There'll also more comprehensive micro-chipping of dogs, as called for by major animal charities and many members of the public.

Defra have also promised more support for the police, councils and charities who deal with what they call 'irresponsible or dangerous owners and their dogs".

But do these measures go far enough to prevent dog attacks?

We want to hear what you think ............especially if you're a dog breeder or if you've owned dogs classed as dangerous - like Pit Bulls or Japanese Tosas. Also if you know first hand what it is like to be attacked by a dog, do get in touch to share your experience.

03700 100 444 is the phone number - a call will cost you the same as dialling an 01 or an 02 number - you can e-mail via bbc.co.uk/radio4/youandyours, or you can text to 84844, and if you do that it will cost you your standard operator message rate and we may call you back on that number.

Presented by Julian Worricker
Produced by Karen Dalziel.