A MUM whose five-year-old daughter was scarred for life by a relative’s dog has welcomed Government microchipping plans – but wants the law to go further.

Belinda Wyeth’s daughter Millie-Jo Baker, now six, was attacked by her great aunt and uncle’s 18-month-old border collie called Angus in their Bicester home last year.

Her left ear was nearly torn off and the pet ripped a chunk of flesh from her cheek. Police could not act as the attack happened in a private home.

The Government has now announced plans to ensure all dogs are microchipped, in a bid to tackle irresponsible owners.

It comes after an 83-year-old Brentford man died following a dog attack.

Miss Wyeth, 29, backed the plan, adding: “This way it will be easier to trace the owner of a dangerous dog and hold them responsible.”

But the mum-of-four, of Cherwell Avenue, Kidlington, also said police should have the power to seize a dog and have it put to sleep if it hurts someone, regardless of where the attack happened.

She said: “Something has to be done.

“It is happening too much, people clearly aren’t taking responsibility for their own dogs.

“My daughter is very lucky because she survived.

“The doctor said if the bites had been any higher she would have lost her sight and any lower she would have lost her life.

“An attack is still an attack.”

The dog now lives with another relative in Bicester.

Miss Wyeth believes it should not be left to owners to put a pet down.

She said: “The police would not have the same emotional attachment to make that judgment.

“My daughter is a human being.

“She has been told that she is scarred for life, but we are not able to put the dog down.”

Millie-Jo had emergency surgery at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, after the incident on August 19 and will have regular check-ups until she is 18.

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, the animal would have to be a banned breed or out of control in a public place for a criminal offence to have been committed.