It’s not the dog, it’s the owner. Unregistered and uneducated breeders and irresponsible dog owners have led to a massive increase in dog attacks. Any dog can attack and cause severe injury or death. Breed specific legislation is not working. The introduction of a dog licence scheme supported by chip technology that was not available in 1987 when licences were abolished will help to ensure all owners and breeders are registered. Should a dog attack, the registers keeper can be identified and held to account. There should be an extensive fine and or seizure of an unregistered dog. The initial cost and annual fee to renew the license should be enough to cover the admin cost of operation and for extra dog wardens to conduct spot checks. Any professional person that comes into contact with a dog should check the chip and report any unregistered dogs to the dog warden. The information on the chip must include the breeder’s registration number. 
It’s not the dog, it’s the owner!