BOSTON -- Is your safety at risk or are lawmakers barking up the wrong tree?

A debate is set to begin on Beacon Hill Thursday over a series of new crackdowns on dogs and their owners.

NewsCenter 5's Steve Lacy reported that proposals under consideration pit people who want new restrictions on certain types of dogs, such as pit bulls, against those who think irresponsible owners are the ones who need to be leashed.

Supporters of a statewide ban on pit bull ownership have said a law is necessary to cut down on violent dog attacks.

If the state were to pass such a ban, lawmakers would be following the lead of many Massachusetts cities and towns that have already passed bans limiting pit bull ownership. This week, Canton became the latest local community to push through tough new restrictions.

Opponents of the ban argue that it is a handful of irresponsible owners who are the real problem. They said pit bulls actually make great pets.

Legislators on the committee that will decide what -- if any -- new dog control laws may go into effect. They are said to be split on a statewide pit bull ban, but according to the Boston Herald they are considering a number of other new restrictions that appear to enjoy widespread support, including stricter license requirements for certain breeds, a requirement that owners of certain breeds undergo training, new fines for owners of noisy dogs and tightening up leash laws.

The proposed requirements are scheduled for debate at the State House on May 14.