The dad of a girl who was attacked by an Alsatian has welcomed Government proposals to toughen up dangerous dog laws.

Existing legislation means the offence of having an out-of-control dog only applies in public places, not on private property.

Abbie Varrow needed 60 stitches to her face after she was attacked while playing on a neighbour’s trampoline in Ploughmans Lane, Great Notley, last April.

But the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided not to prosecute the dog’s owner, stating there was insufficient evidence.