CALLS have been made for tougher dog laws following the tragic death of teenager Jade Anderson.

Bolton’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd gave evidence at the parliamentary committee scrutinising the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill.

Included in the draft legislation is a move to allow the prosecution of irresponsible dog owners who cannot control their pets.

It follows the death of 14-year-old Jade, who was killed by a pack of four dogs at a house in Atherton.

Mr Lloyd, who met with Jade’s parents before giving his evidence, believes the measure is welcome, but added it needs to go further.

He said: “I met the Anderson family who sadly lost their daughter Jade in a tragic dog attack. This brought home to me the urgent need for the Government to bring forward this legislation to give the police and other authorities the powers they need to protect people from this growing problem.

“But I would urge them to go further and introduce Dog Control Orders similar to those brought in Scotland. These orders, which have been dubbed ‘Dog Asbos’, aim to identify out of control dogs at an early stage and force irresponsible owners to change their behaviour before they attack a member of the public.”

Earlier this month Jade’s parents went to Parliament with Bolton West MP Julie Hilling, who has been campaigning for more to be done.

Mr Lloyd gave a cautious welcome to other measures outlined in the Bill, but warned that the efforts for agencies to work together to effectively tackle anti-social behaviour could be threatened by the ongoing Government programme of cuts.

He added: “Police and Crime Commissioners want to see a common sense and practical approach to tackling anti-social behaviour with the police and other agencies given the right tools to protect vulnerable people.

“The Bill goes a large way to de-cluttering existing legislation, but tackling anti-social behaviour isn’t just about having the right laws, as going to the law should be the last resort.”