OWNERS of dangerous dogs could face a £20,000 fine — after police and local authorities were given new legal powers today.

Under new laws, if Bolton Council or the police receive a complaint about a dangerous dog, they can demand that the owner attends training classes — and they can also demand the dog is muzzled, microchipped or neutered.

If dog owners do not take action to prevent another attack, they risk being fined up to £20,000.

The council and police have also been given a manual explaining how their legal powers can be used.

Bolton West MP Julie Hilling said the new laws were a step in the right direction, but insisted more must be done to stop brutal attacks. She added: “It’s been a long time in coming and I’m really pleased that this new legislation is now being enacted.

“It’s correct that people will face penalties if their dog harms somebody.

“I’m still concerned, however, that there aren’t enough prevent-ative measures included in this new legislation.

“It’s fine prosecuting someone after the event, but what we need to do is to stop it happening in the first place.

“Dangerous dog attacks are rising at an epidemic proportion and there’s still a lot of work to do to bring these figures down.”

Ms Hilling has been calling for changes to the Dangerous Dog Act 1991 as part of a campaign sparked by the tragic case of Jade Lomas Anderson, who was mauled to death in a dog attack.

She said: “It’s a tribute to campaigners like Jade’s parents Shirley and Michael Anderson that this legislation is being enacted.”

“I think in the long-term the legislation can have a significant impact, but we have to have the resources to police dog attacks.

Last year there were about 250,000 dog attacks in the UK. The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals said the attacks cost the taxpayer £9.5 million.