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Regional press news - this story published 28 July 2006

Echo's danger dog campaign snaps at heels of Government

by James Astill

A Bite Back campaign from the Liverpool Echo, to clampdown on irresponsible owners of dangerous dogs is getting support from readers and Merseyside MPs.

The Echo launched the campaign after receiving complaints from readers that yobs with dangerous animals were trying to set up “prize fights” in local parks.

Merseyside police seized ten dogs in four weeks in their crackdown – and the Echo got on board soon after.

The police found certain breeds of dogs, such as Staffordshire bull terriers and rottweilers have been targeted by the yobs because of their reputation for having a hostile nature.

Now readers and MPs alike want tougher laws and harsher fines for those who set their animals on other pets - or those who allow their animals to attack innocent people in the street.

The campaign is calling for:

Compulsory micro-chipping of all dogs, so owners can be easily traced and cannot deny a particular dog belongs to them;

Life bans for anyone convicted of owning a dangerous dog;

An assessment centre for the North West so vicious animals can be quickly studied and deemed officially dangerous.

Peter Bolton, an animal welfare manager for the RSPCA, said: "Dogs are usually social animals. They do not go around wanting to kill each other.

"The animals involved in these attacks have not been trained in a normal environment."

A number of Echo readers from across Merseyside have also sent a clear message to Home Secretary John Reid voicing their concerns that the system is not working. In light of the message sent out by Echo readers the minister has agreed to consider changing the law, if sufficient evidence is available.

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