New laws which will make it a criminal offence for a dog to be out of control on private property have been welcomed by a Barking and Dagenham police officer.

The Dangerous Dog Act will be overhauled so irresponsible owners whose pets attack in their home or garden could face jail or a fine.

Currently they can only be prosecuted if it happens on public land.

New draft legislation amending the rules published by the government this week.

Barking and Dagenham Police wildlife officer Sgt Ian Lee said: “This is great news. There have been a number of incidents in the borough where we have been unable arrest someone for having an out of control dog because the attack happened on private land.

“For example there was one case where a postman in Dagenham was badly bitten on the leg last year. We managed to get a dog destruction order but could not arrest the owner.”

Minister Lord De Mauley said “Out of control dogs are just as much a threat on private property as public places.”

There were 24 dog attacks in Barking and Dagenham, mostly on people, between April last year and February this year.