Plans for a crackdown on dog owners who let their animals run dangerously out of control have met with a positive response, according to the MSP behind them.

SNP backbencher Alex Neil received about 100 responses to his proposed Control of Dogs (Scotland) Bill, which is calling for a new approach to the issue.

"Overall, the reaction to my proposals has been very positive," Mr Neil said today.

Under the proposals owners could be liable to pay up to £5,000 in compensation for injury or damage.

In the most serious cases they could face an unlimited fine and up to two years in jail.

He said the law would operate on a preventative basis, enabling control orders - "ASBOs for dogs" - to be issued to owners of dangerous animals.

The orders could require measures like muzzling, re-homing, and owners attending mandatory dog-training courses.

Most responses to the consultation, which ended yesterday, came from a variety of animal welfare organisations, dog wardens, local authorities and members of the public.

Mr Neil said a few technicalities had been brought to his attention with suggestions for minor improvements.

But he said the current legislation - which focuses on a few specific breeds - has not made the public safer.

"My approach aims to shift focus from the dogs on to the owners, as they should always be responsible for ensuring their dog does not endanger public safety," he said.

"There is a minority of dog owners out there who are simply not responsible with their dogs, and we need ways to act against them."

It was also "baffling" that laws do not make attacks on private property a criminal offence, according to Mr Neil who said his proposals will change this.

The previous First Minister Jack McConnell last year told Mr Neil in Parliament there were no plans to review dangerous dogs legislation in the wake of a fatal pit bull attack on a child in England.

Ellie Lawrenson, five, died of severe head and neck injuries after being mauled at her grandmother's house in St Helens.

The responses to Mr Neil's consultation will now be analysed, before a proposed Bill is framed.