THE tragic death of teenager Jade Anderson has prompted calls for tougher legislation for dog owners.

Bolton West MP, Julie Hilling, whose constituency covers Atherton where the 14-year-old was found dead in a house with four out-ofcontrol dogs, says the law should focus on “deed” not “breed”.

Ms Hilling said: “This is a terrible tragedy, not only for Jade and her family but for her friends and the whole community.

“The current legislation does not cover dogs on private property and bans just four breeds of dogs, but in fact we need to focus on ‘deed’ not ‘breed’.” Ms Hilling has been calling for a change in the law concerning dangerous dogs after an attack on one of her constituents in 2011.

She raised the issue in Parliament, saying the victim was “told there was nothing he could do because the attack took place on private property”.

Ms Hilling raised the issue again after the former mayor of Blackrod, Beryl Monaghan, had two cats killed by dangerous dogs.

She said: “We need legislation which will allow early intervention rather than dealing with the consequences of a dog attack.”

Ms Hilling claimed organisations including the Kennel Club, nurses and the police supported law changes to “promote responsible” dog ownership.

She said: “It’s time the Government took action to stop such terrible tragedies and I will continue to press them to do so.”

Jade was visiting the house in Chaucer Grove, the home of a friend, and was alone when she was attacked by four dogs — believed to be two bull mastiffs and two Staffordshire bull terriers — which were later shot dead by police marksmen.

Police say they are continuing to investigate to “build up an accurate picture of the events leading up to Jade’s tragic death”.

Supt Mark Kenny said: “I want to make it clear that we have made absolutely no decision on whether any prosecutions will be brought.”

Mr Kenny said the force had not received any previous complaints or reports of dangerous dogs at the house.

The boyfriend of Jade has spoken of his grief. Josh Pheasey, aged 13, said Jade was “a beautiful girl” who “wouldn’t hurt a fly”.