DOG owners could be fined up to £20,000 if they fail to take action to prevent an attack under new rules.

It means that if a complaint about a dog is made to the police or a local authority, owners could be made to carry out safety precautions or risk the hefty charge.

Owners could be made to attend training classes, muzzle the dog, keep it on a lead in a public place, have their pet microchipped and repair fencing to prevent them escaping.

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There have been a number of high-profile cases of complaints about dogs in East Lancashire.

A new manual will guide police forces and councils in the use of their new legal powers.

They will be able to issue a community protection notice designed to stop anti-social behaviour. Officers can choose to issue a £100 fixed penalty or bring a prosecution for a breach, which is a criminal offence.

Injuctions can be taken out for higher level incidents including intimidation, attacks or incidents involving other animals. It will subject the animal to requirements and stop them from going to certain areas at certain times.

A criminal behaviour order is for more serious anti-social behaviour with dogs.

The final option is a public spaces protection order which restricts persistent bad behaviour in public spaces.

Kate Hollern, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, added: “I think the multi-agency working between police and local councils is very important.

“There have been some tragic cases recently and it is important that we have powers to take action.”

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson welcomed the new rules, saying: “These new powers are a step in the right direction to give police and local authorities the ability to take action.”