Borough Action for Responsible K9s

Borough Action for Responsible K9s

BARK is a multi-agency group which proactively tackles irresponsible dog owners

BARK stands for Borough Action for Responsible K9s and is a joint project between the Council, H&F Homes, local ‘Safer Neighbourhood’ Police, the Mayhew Animal Home and the RSPCA. It is responsible for promoting responsible dog ownership in the borough and for tackling dangerous dogs.

BARK operates regular proactive patrols of the borough to educate the community on dog health and welfare, responsible ownership and dog related legislation. We also visit properties where we have been made aware of a dog related welfare complaint or environmental concern such as fouling or noise or where we suspect a banned type dog is being kept. 

Promoting responsible behaviour

Officers from BARK will be attending several events over the summer to promote responsible dog ownership. If you are running an event and would like some information on BARK, please email environmentalprotection@lbhf.gov.uk 

Owning a dog is a big responsibility. Most importantly, you must give your dog commitment, attention and exercise. 

Banned type dogs

There are four types of banned breeds in Great Britain. These are: 

Pit Bull Terrier type
Japanese Tosa type
Dogo Argentino type 
Fila Braziliero type

The Pit Bull type is the most commonly seen of the banned breeds and can often be confused with Staffordshire Bull Terriers and their crosses.

FAQs on banned type dogs 

To report a banned type dog in the borough, please call 020 8753 1081 or email environmentalprotection@lbhf.gov.uk In an emergency, always call 999.

Dog related crime

There has been a noted increase in dog related crime from intimidation to dog fighting. New powers under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in conjunction with the Dangerous Dogs Act, and the Dog Control Orders introduced in Hammersmith and Fulham in March 2007, provide the tools to proactively target this area of crime.

If you have any information regarding dog fighting or dogs being used to assist crime and anti-social behaviour please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team direct: Safer Neighbourhood Teams 

Contacts for more information

For more general information on BARK and Dog Control Orders contact 020 8753 1081 or email environmentalprotection@lbhf.gov.uk 

To report a dog you suspect is a banned breed, call 020 8753 1081 or email environmentalprotection@lbhf.gov.uk . In the event of an attack, contact the local Police on 020 8563 1212. In an emergency, always call 999. 

To report any dog issues in a park contact Parks Constabulary on 020 8740 3417.

For advice on animal welfare or to book a low cost neutering or vaccination appointment, contact The Mayhew Animal Home & Humane Education Centre on 020 8969 0178. You can also visit the Mayhew Animal Home website. 

To report animal cruelty or welfare issues contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. You can also visit the RSPCA website for more information. 

For information on stray dogs  contact Environment Services on 020 8753 1081 or Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on 020 7622 3626. You can also visit Battersea's Battersea's website for more general information on stray dogs.