MOST people in Wales back plans to legislate on dangerous dogs and irresponsible owners.
The RSPCA Cymru Dog Welfare Indicators Report said the move had the support of 84 per cent of the public.
The animal welfare charity wants the current dog control laws to be updated to focus on prevention and allow early intervention by enforcement agencies.
That, it said, would improve public safety and animal welfare — and also reduce costs.
"Regardless of its breed or type, any dog has the potential to be dangerous," said the report.
"There is a need to develop co-ordinated and targeted education programmes to assist in persuading owners of dogs to be responsible, and for dogs to be bred more responsibly."
The report also revealed that 82 per cent supported an annual compulsory dog registration scheme.
More than 10,000 dogs were dealt with by Welsh councils last year at a cost of £2 million-plus.