DOG owners whose animals attack people on private property could face prosecution in Wales, a Gwent AM has said.

Environment minister John Griffiths says he wants to see a perceived gap in the current law, which means owners cannot be prosecuted if dog attacks happen at their own homes, closed.

Owners could also be issued with control notices if authorities are concerned about their dogs’ behaviour.

The proposed legislation, which the AM would like to see introduced to the Assembly in the next few years, is one of a package of measures being looked by the Welsh Government to encourage responsible dog ownership.

The Newport East AM said a consultation on compulsory microchipping of dogs is due to be opened in the summer, while one is already being held on the regulation of puppy farms.

Mr Griffiths said the Welsh Government would consider legislation to make it a criminal offence for all dog attacks to take place on private property so postmen, health workers and others would be protected.

The law would close a perceived gap in the Dangerous Dogs Act, under which owners can only be prosecuted if a dog attack occurs on public land.

"At the moment if the postman goes into a garden of a house and a dog there attacks them a criminal offence has not been committed under the DDA," said Mr Griffiths.

"It's a loophole that needs to be closed."

The Association of Chief Police Officers called for the act to be strengthened in March, while the Communication Workers Union has also campaigned on the issue.

The proposed law could also introduce dog notices - issued to owners as a preventative measure allowing authorities to impose restrictions such as keeping a dog muzzled in a public place or helping owners to train their dogs.

Mr Griffiths said if first minister Carwyn Jones accepted the proposed law it could be fitted into the current Welsh Government programme of proposed Assembly laws, but he added he'd like to see it in "this Assembly term".