A HUDDERSFIELD woman savaged by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier wants the breed to be officially classed as a dangerous dog.

Sharon Mallinson, 36, of Chesil Bank, Quarmby, was attacked in April last year while walking her Jack Russell terrier on nearby Reinwood Road.

It was the first in a spate of attacks by the breed on people in Huddersfield last year.

Three-year-old Kailey Mai Asquith was mauled by a dog in Dalton in June.

And in early December a 66-year-old man suffered terrible injuries in an attack in Almondbury.

He was bitten on his face, neck, arms, legs and body as he tried in vain to fend the bull terrier off.

He needed plastic surgery at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Now Sharon has contacted the office of Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman urging him to look at ways to toughen up legislation.

And she has started a petition calling for Staffordshire Bull Terriers to be officially deemed as dangerous dogs.

The only breeds now officially classed as dangerous are Pit Bull Terriers, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliera and the Japanese Tosa.

All have to be registered, insured and kept under close control.

Sharon said: "Staffordshires are clearly dangerous if they are not controlled properly. The incidents in Huddersfield show that something needs doing about them."

When Sharon was attacked she was with her daughter, Jessica, who was then just two-and-a-half, and their Jack Russell.

She had picked up the smaller dog to protect it from an unprovoked assault by the Staffordshire which was roaming free.

The dog then dragged Sharon to the ground and mauled her.

She was rescued by a passing jogger who scared the attacking animal away.

Sharon was taken to hospital and had to be sedated and treated for shock and severe puncture wounds to her legs and arms.

She was in hospital for two days.

Her dog suffered a puncture wound to his stomach, but recovered. Jessica was unhurt.

There were reports the same dog was still on the loose last October and had attacked two other dogs, leaving one of them badly hurt.

If any dog causes injury courts can order the dog to be destroyed and the owner jailed for up to two years and given an unlimited fine.

A website dedicated to Staffordshire Bull Terriers states: "The Stafford has a colourful history and it is to be remembered that whilst they love people, they will react if challenged by another dog.

"For this reason you must always be a responsible owner and never take your dog into a public place unless he is on a collar and lead."

But it adds: "The Stafford is renowned for its affinity with humans and is particularly good with children."

Anyone wanting to sign the petition or help Sharon's quest can contact her on 01484 651283.

Dogs now officially classed as dangerous must be:

* Muzzled and on a lead when in public.

* Covered by third party insurance.

* Neutered.

* Micro-chipped.

* Only in the charge of a person aged over 16.

* Owners need a certificate of exemption allowing them to keep their dogs.