THE mauling to death of five-month-old Cadey-Lee Deacon by two Rottweilers was shocking.

Eyewitness accounts have described how the dogs went for the baby and "completely ripped her apart". It doesn't bear thinking about.

Quite rightly, the two dogs responsible have now been put down. But this terrible tragedy raises deeper issues. Has the time come for stricter controls on dogs and their owners?

York has seen its share of attacks by dogs. This year alone, ten-year-old Luke Smith was bitten in the ribs by a German Shepherd/timber wolf cross, while 24-year-old former Royal Mail worker Luke Agnew was bitten so savagely in the face that he needed 40 stitches and will have to endure a skin graft.

It is understandable that both Mr Agnew and Luke Smith's mum, Dilly Parker, feel there should be tougher controls on dogs.

If the law can be tightened up in a way that protects children without spoiling the enjoyment that millions of dog owners derive from their pets, it is something that should be looked at.

But part of the solution must also come down to individual responsibility.

This newspaper does not in any way wish to criticise Cadey-Lee's family - or any families whose children have been attacked. But this most recent incident does serve as a timely reminder that we can never take dogs or other pets for granted.

It is the owner's responsibility to ensure that their pet is properly trained and properly under control at all times.

And it is the responsibility of parents to make sure their children know how to behave around animals - and that they don't try to provoke or even stroke strange dogs.

Above all, babies must never be left unattended with a dog - not even a loved and trusted family pet. The risk is just too great.