A SPATE of nasty attacks on youngsters a decade ago led to legislation to protect the public from dangerous dogs.

The Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 laid down strict guidelines for owners and gave police and dog wardens powers to seize animals that are out of control.

It also gave courts the power to order their destruction if they are considered a danger to the public.

But all of that was little help to Samina Talaty who will be scarred for life after being horrifically attacked in the street by two Staffordshire bull terriers.

If two men nearby hadn't rescued her from the terrifying scene her injuries would no doubt have been even worse.

Now police say they are considering a prosecution and the dogs, which are back with their owners, will be destroyed "if inquiries showed there had been a previous offence."

More than a year ago Princess Anne was fined under the act after her bull terrier Dotty attacked two children in Windsor Great Park. Dotty was allowed to live but magistrates said the animal would be put down if it reoffended.

Some people say that there is no such thing as a bad dog - just bad owners.

They believe animals that have attacked should be retrained and given another chance.

But surely many more will feel that the dogs which have caused Samina's injuries cannot be allowed to live and risk further similar unprovoked attacks.