A DOG attack victim is calling for more action to tackle out of control breeds.

Ken Deadman, 68, from Barton, was savaged by a pitbull-type dog in December as he and a neighbour heroically tried to rescue another neighbour from an attack.

Mr Deadman said he was pleased about the Government’s bid to introduce compulsory microchipping for dogs so owners of out-of-control dogs can be traced.

But he and the head of an Oxfordshire animal charity are calling for more to be done to stop attacks.

Mr Deadman, who owns two dogs himself, said: “It will make me feel a bit safer when that law comes in. If there is an incident because a dog is out of control the owner can be traced.

“But if an owner knows its dog could attack they should be made more responsible and do more about it before it gets serious. My arm just has scars now but it is still sore.”

The pensioner, who was bitten on the arm, spent nine hours at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington after the attack.

By April 2016 dog owners must have to have their microchipped by law.

Blue Cross pet charity is offering free microchipping for dogs and cats, which usually costs around £20, at its bases in Burford, West Oxfordshire, and Lewknor, East Oxfordshire.

The charity estimates it could microchip up to 170 dogs at its two Oxfordshire bases in a week.

Kim Hamilton, Blue Cross chief executive, said: “The Government’s decision to introduce compulsory microchipping of all dogs promises to make a lasting impression on animal welfare.

“Blue Cross has campaigned long and hard for microchipping and will be offering free chips to dogs and cats at its animal hospitals and rehoming. But these changes alone will be little comfort for the victims of dog attacks.

“The current situation still fails pets and endangers the public. An early preventative strategy would educate dog owners, helping to improve their pets’ behaviour and knowledge of their responsibilities.”

The charity wants authorities like the police to be given more powers to step in to tackle the situation if the owner has shown antisocial behaviour before an attack has taken place.

They also want better education for youngsters.