Scotland’s dogs are facing new laws - nicknamed ‘dog asbos’ - that come into force in 2011.

The Scottish Parliament passed the legislation in April 2010 that allows councils to impose restrictions on owners who do not control their pets.

New dog control notices could mean owners being forced to keep their pet on a lead at all times, have it neutered or attend a training course. They could be fined of up to £1,000 if they do not obey the notice.

Nationalist MSP Christine Grahame put forward the bill so that action can be taken against dog owners no matter what the breed of pet - concentrating on the ‘deed not the breed’

Speaking after the incident in Dundee when a 10-year-old girl was attacked while out riding her bike, Ms Grahame said the law might need to be looked at again.

She told BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme: "I can't speak about the specifics here but generally dogs that get into that state have not been under control on previous occasions, or should have been.

"If they've been running loose, they're big dogs - I don't want to demonise the breed, it's not the breed - but big dogs should be kept under control, as indeed some little dogs have to be because Jack Russells can be quite aggressive.

"So it's knowing your dog, controlling it, even in your own home where people might be coming because unfortunately many of these incidents have taken place in somebody's home." 

IN DETAIL

• 10-year-old in hospital after being savaged by dogs
• The Dangerous Dogs Act in Scotland in full