A vicious dog has been able to carry out a dozen attacks in recent months because the authorities are powerless to discipline its owner.

The dog, believed to be a white and tan Staffordshire cross, has repeatedly attacked other dogs in Hook Road Arena and has scared away many dog walkers and park users according to one angry owner.

The woman whose puppy was one of its victims is calling for effective action to stop its reign of terror and animal welfare charities are calling for legislation to cover owners whose dogs attack other pets.

The resident, who walks her cocker spaniel poodle in the arena, said the owner, in her fifties, allows the dog to run off the lead and is well aware of the attacks by it over the past eight months.

She said the police and Epsom and Ewell Council’s park ranger have been sympathetic over the attacks, but say they cannot take action.

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, criminal sanctions can be placed on dog owners if a dog is "dangerously out of control" - but only for attacks on individuals.

The only other law which covers dog on dogs attacks dates back to 1871 and has fallen into disuse.

The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "The owner is choosing to be blissfully unaware and the park is like a ghost town between 8am and 9am now.

"My poodle was really shaken and if she gets a whiff of that dog now she will pull me in the other direction.

"In another incident, the dog scrambled with another being walked which was recovering from an operation.

"It grabs other dogs around the neck and frightens them, pierces their skin and tears their fur. They are left traumatised.

"It needs to be muzzled. How do we get this woman to take responsibility for her dog?"

A council spokesman said no measures specific to individual owners can be taken for these types of attacks.

He said: "There is very little the council can do in relation to dog on dog attacks.

"There is the option to make a dog control order for an area, requiring dogs to be kept on leads however that would apply to all dogs in the area at all times, not just the ones that are not being controlled.

"This would also require enforcement to be effective, for which funding would be required."

He said anyone concerned should contact the council and, if dogs are not under control, it can advise the owner.

Trevor Cooper, a dogs’ law specialist for the Dogs Trust, said there must be more focus on the root cause of why dogs become dangerous and said the trust is calling for the introduction of dog control notices in England and Wales.

He said: "The Dangerous Dogs Act is a dog’s dinner. It only applies after the event - there is punishment but no prevention.

"Dog control notices would allow an authorised council officer to issue a notice to an owner, whose dog has been behaving inappropriately, telling them how to be more responsible so the behaviour can be abated. Breach would be a criminal offence.

"There needs to be more emphasis on the owner, rather than banning specific individual dog types as in the Dangerous Dogs Act.

"Any dog can be capable of being controlled if the owner acts responsibly and this comes down to education."

Mr Cooper said this year’s government consultation on irresponsible dog ownership was a "move in the right direction".

Dee McIntosh, director of communications at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, said: "Battersea believes that dog attacks on children, adults and also on other dogs are unacceptable.

"In the wrong hands any breed of dog can be trained to be dangerous and a threat to other dogs as well as people.

"It’s time to make sure irresponsible dog owners are held to account.

"Our current outdated dog laws have failed to prevent dog attacks from happening and we urge the Government to bring in new dog legislation that tackles irresponsible owners, protects public safety and safeguards animal welfare."

The owner of the cocker spaniel poodle agreed: "It is a very grey area - we cannot do much law-wise.

"Dog control notices should be introduced and owners need to be made to take more responsibility."

She added: "If enough people raise this issue with the police and park ranger perhaps there can be a solution."