Record number of dangerous dogs confiscated

Thursday June 11, 2009

More dangerous dogs have been seized in Hammersmith & Fulham than in almost any other London borough during the last year.

In total, 59 illegal canines were confiscated in H&F in 2008-2009. This high figure is due to the success of Operation Bark, a venture between the council, police, the RSPCA and the Mayhew Animal Home launched last year in a bid to clamp down on residents who own illegal and potentially lethal dogs and those who mistreat their pets.

As part of the scheme, officers from the police, council and RSPCA make monthly patrols in areas where there are suspected problems, to identify dogs which could fall under the banned breeds and discuss issues surrounding irresponsible dog ownership with residents they meet.

Suspected dangerous animals can be seized by the police and taken to kennels, until the expert dog handlers decide if they are dangerous and fall under one of the four banned breeds in Britain: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro.  The case can also come before a magistrates’ court, which can order that the dog be micro chipped, wear a muzzle or that only someone over the age of 16 can walk the dog. The maximum penalty for owning a banned dog is a fine of £5,000 and six months in prison.

Councillor Greg Smith, said: “I am delighted with the success of Operation Bark but there is still a long way to go if we are to fully tackle this problem. Owning a dangerous dog is akin to carrying a weapon and seems to be the new craze amongst those with criminal intent. The message is clear to people who think they can get away with breaking the law. Dangerous dogs will simply not be tolerated in Hammersmith & Fulham. When mistreated and trained badly, these breeds can be extremely dangerous – they can cause horrific injuries, maiming people and even killing children. Using them as status symbols is not big and it is certainly not clever.”

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