IT’S 20 years since the Dangerous Dogs Act came into being in response to a sickening attack on a six-year-old girl.

On August 12, 1991, the Act was approved by Parliament following the attack on Rukhsana Khan in Bradford, West Yorkshire, which left her with life-changing injuries.

Emergency laws were passed to criminalise owners of dogs displaying dangerous behaviour and a ban on four dog breeds, most notably the pit bull terrier.

The law was supposed to bring an end to attacks, but just last week, a seven-year-old boy from Westcliff was horrifically mauled on the beach off Eastern Esplanade, Southend.

A rottweiler – which is not a banned breed – rushed on to the beach where the youngster was paddling and savaged his arm, back and shoulder. The boy needed several operations.

Animal charity, the Blue Cross, believes the latest attack shows the Act is not protecting the public and says the legislation needs to be looked at again.

Steve Goody, director of external affairs at the charity, said: “This week marks 20 years of the failing Dangerous Dogs Act, which was introduced as a kneejerk and ill-considered reaction to shocking dog attacks.

“The awful injuries suffered by Rukhsana Khan were a catalyst to bringing in this law, but, as last week’s attack shows, this legislation is still failing to properly protect the public, particularly our children.

“It demonises certain breeds purely for the way they look, while authorities are unable to step in to prevent aggressive behaviour before an attack takes place.

“Animal charities have been highlighting the weaknesses of this law for years, but now the public has spoken and it is time for the Government to act.”

Despite the publication of a public consultation on dangerous dogs in November – which revealed 78 per cent of respondents would like to see an improved law – the Government has failed to announce its plans to address the country’s pressing dog control issues, the charity said.

The Blue Cross is calling for an overhaul of the law.

Currently, the Act bans the pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the dogo Argentino and the fila brasileiro – although the only one commonly seen in the UK is the pit bull.

Regardless of their behaviour, any dog suspected of being one of these illegal types can be seized, detained and ultimately destroyed.

Recent figures revealed the cash-strapped Metropolitan Police spends more than £2.5million per year on kennelling dogs seized under the legislation, while each case goes through court.

The Blue Cross insists no dog is inherently dangerous and is calling for a new law based on “deed not breed”.

It wants to see a new law in which no breeds are banned and instead makes the owner responsible for the behaviour of the dog, with powers to intervene at an earlier stage if they are using a dog in an irresponsible way or allowing it to become out of control.

The charity wants to see dog control notices introduced, which can order an owner to take preventative measures such as keeping their dogs on a lead in public, muzzling their pet, undergoing dog training and, where appropriate, penalties if their dog is out of control.

The charity also wants to see the law extended to attacks on private property.

Mr Goody added: “Any dog can be a safe and loving pet in the right hands if properly trained and socialised from an early age.

“It’s time for the Government to act to bring in new, effective legislation, which places the responsibility for these dogs at the other end of the lead.”

Tony Cox, Southend councillor responsible for public protection, waste and transport, said: “Dogs are banned from the beaches to help with the water quality and also for safety reasons, and for the comfort of people on the beach.

“I think more emphasis should be placed on the owner with regard to looking after their dog, but most dog owners are excellent.

“Legislation is something for Parliament, but it was put in place for a reason and maybe there is a case for it to be looked at again.”

A spokesman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said: “We’re working with police and welfare groups on the best possible measures. We’ll make an announcement soon, but no decisions have been made yet.”

DOG owners should take more responsibility, according to a young mum whose son was bitten in the face by a dog.

Mitchell Brindley was attacked outside a pharmacy in Southchurch Road, Southend, in June. He was left with blood pouring down his face.

His mum, Tanya Lovegrove, 22, said the Staffordshire bull terrier-type lunged at Mitchell, three. She said: “Luckily he hasn’t been scarred physically, but he is wary of dogs in the street.

“It shouldn’t be a case of what dogs should and shouldn’t be banned, but owners should be more aware and act differently. They would know if their dog doesn’t like children or has a temper.”

Mitchell was taken to Southend Hospital by ambulance, but his wounds were not serious. Miss Lovegrove, of Mill Road, Rochford, said paramedics told her about a similar attack just a day earlier.

She added: “Mitchell was very lucky, as I managed to get the dog off.”

TWO dogs could be put down after attacking a door-to-door salesman.

French bullmastiffs Ronnie and Reggie nust wait three weeks for judges at Basildon Crown Court to decide if they should be destroyed.

Their owner, Nicola Fitzgerald, 27, has pleaded guilty to two counts of owning a dog which injured a person while dangerously out of control in a public place.

Her barrister, Grant Benjamin, put forward an expert report which suggests the dogs are not a danger to the public and therefore should not be destroyed.

However, Judge Ian Graham adjourned the case for the prosecution to be able to put forward further evidence.

The court heard gold dealer Christopher McGhee had been visiting homes in Basildon offering cash for gold.

He went to Fitzgerald’s home in Whitmore Way, Basildon, on November 20, and knocked at the door.

At the time, she was inside with her seven-month-old child and sister.

But the dogs, in response to Mr McGhee’s knock, pushed open the unlocked door and ran into the street.They bit both his arms.

Mr McGhee was taken to Basildon Hospital, where he was treated for bites and given penicillin and a tetanus jab.

Fitzgerald was bailed to return to court in September for sentencing.