The SPCA is welcoming the Government's focus on deed not breed, in its bid to reduce dog attacks.

A second swathe of proposals has been announced, following the launch of a national action plan in September.

SPCA acting CEO Andrea Midgen is pleased animal welfare organisations will be allowed to re-home dogs irrespective of their breed.

"Dogs are very similar to children - if they're brought up in a loving environment with good boundaries and rules and socialisation, they become very well adjusted, normal people in human society," she said.

Breeds classified as menacing can be re-homed to people with a high-risk dog owner license.

Midgen said although she's happy dog's temperaments will be assessed, we must consider who's qualified to carry out those tests.

"Whether out of a council shelter or a SPCA or other shelters, so how do we get that consistency around that and make sure that the right animals are being re-homed in the right situations."

Other proposals include regulation of breeders, and greater penalties for owners of dogs who attack.