Owners of pure-bred pitbull terriers can be legally to blame for attacks made by their pets under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act.

As the owner of a pitbull-type terrier, Kiel Simpson could be held responsible if the dog has not been registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs.

According to Chris Laurence, veterinary director of the Dogs Trust, if a registered dog attacks someone in its owner’s home, then the owner has not broken the law.

Merseyside Police explained that it was an offence to own a pitbull terrier that has not been registered.

The Government has taken several steps to legislate against those who breed, trade and own dangerous dogs. The latest, the Animal Welfare Bill, which is before Parliament, will also include codes of practice for keeping dogs.

Banned dogs can only be exempted from a destruction order if a court agrees and strict conditions are met. But any dog that behaves dangerously can be killed.

More than 1,000 American pitbulls are owned legally in England.

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