DOGS have attacked and injured 138 people in Gwent over the past three years.

Attacks in Gwent have remained fairly static over this time, with 47 people attacked and injured in 2008/09, followed by 44 in 2009/10. In 2010/11, this figure rose slightly to 47.

A Freedom of Information request by Cardiff North AM Julie Morgan revealed dog attacks in both public and private places across Wales over the past three years.

In 2008/09, there were four attacks in non-public places, resulting in one summons, one caution and one person charged.

The 43 attacks in public brought charges against one person, as well as 15 summons and 11 cautions.

The following year, there were four dog attacks in private, yielding one caution and two summons.

The 40 attacks in public meant one person was charged, three were issued summons and six were cautioned. Another case was discontinued when it reached court.

Dogs attacked seven people on private land in 2010/11.

One was charged and another cautioned. Attacks in public resulted in six summons and seven cautions. No-one was charged.

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, it is illegal to breed or exchange pit bull terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos and Fila Brasileiros.

Any other dogs appearing to be bred for fighting or have characteristics of a type bred for that purpose are also banned.

A Gwent Police spokesman said the force is concerned about the level of injury irresponsible owners and dangerous dogs can cause and urged dog owners to be mindful of their responsibilities.

He added: "From a policing perspective, current legislation relates specifically to public places and there are extremely limited powers for the police service to investigate incidents in private places, regardless of the severity of the offence or injury caused."

A Private Member's Bill called the Dog Control Bill is about to be debated in the House of Commons which could remove the distinction between dog attacks in private and public areas.