ATTACKS on two guide dogs in the town could trigger changes on dangerous dogs rules.

After receiving letters from local MPs, the department for environment, food and rural affairs (Defra) is conducting a review into dangerous dogs legislation.

It comes after a guide dog was attacked by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier-type dog at the end of last month, which may have left her unable to work, and another two weeks earlier by the same type of dog on a guide dog in west Swindon.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland said: “I have written to Defra, who are conducting a review into dangerous dogs legislation. There has been a growing clamour for the legislation to be updated. It is now 21 years old.

“It was passed in a hurry in 1991 in response to dog attacks on humans. There is a feeling, and I share this, that the legislation needs updating so it can cover a wider range of incidents such as the ones recently in Swindon.”

Trainee guide dog Grace was guiding her trainer Philippa Davidson through The Parade when a ‘Staffy-type’ dog bit the puppy’s face. The 19-month-old dog, who was weeks away from finishing training at a cost of £33,000, is recovering, but may now never work for the blind.

Two weeks earlier, guide dog Lexie was attacked by a similar type of dog after getting off a bus at the Link Centre.

Mr Buckland and North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson wrote to Defra after receiving a letter from Swindon Guide Dogs chairman Alan Fletcher this week. Alan asked for their support in amending the dangerous dogs act and asked for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier to be added to the group of dogs that must by law wear muzzles in public.

In the letter, Alan said he is concerned that a child could be attacked next, but that he understands that most owners of the breed have disciplined and well-trained dogs.

Swindon Council’s animal officer Alison Waine said it is not the breed but the owner who is often to blame.

“There are many Staffordshire Bull Terriers who are owned by wonderful people who cause no problems for anybody,” she said. “It is very much the deed not the breed.

“Some changes need to be made to the dangerous dogs act but they need to be the right changes. Simply adding a breed is not going to help, it needs to be sweeping changes including breeding, control and owner responsibility.”