keeping a fighting dog in a Council property could lead to eviction

The tough sanction applies not just to council tenants but any friend or relative who they allow to bring a dog onto their premises.

The council has said it will not hesitate to use existing powers in its tenancy regulations to protect neighbours and other residents from animals which are encouraged to behave in an intimidating manner.

People with concerns about the way a dog is being treated can report these in confidence to the council's 24 hour help line on 020 8871 7532.

This number can be used to alert the council's dog control team to any instance of irresponsible dog ownership at any address in the borough. Those targeted for action could face prosecution in the courts leading to an anti social behaviour order (ASBO).

The council is also seeking new legislation aimed at bringing back the dog licence. It has outlined the proposal to environment minister Jonathan Shaw and is now seeking the backing of other London authorities for a new Parliamentary Bill.

The new licence would be restricted to pit bull type dogs and others not currently classified under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

To qualify the owner would have to pass a fit and proper person test and pay a substantial annual fee that would help to pay for effective enforcement of the new scheme.

Council leader Edward Lister (pictured right) explained: "The problem is that just about anyone can own a dog. Most of the problems we have today are caused by young people aged between 13 and 17 who keep these menacing dogs yet have no understanding of the responsibilities of ownership. Any new licensing scheme would have to be properly funded - that's why it's important to set the fee at a realistic rate. Given the money that people are prepared to spend on these dogs I really don't see why we should not be looking at a licence fee of around £500.

"A borough like Wandsworth with a dedicated dog control unit and a 24 hour hot line for worried residents would be a perfect place to trial a new scheme. We could very quickly build up a very clear picture of just where these dogs were and who owned them.

"Until ministers get to grips with the problem at a national level we will continue to do everything we can locally to respond to our residents' concerns. We want people to use the help line so we have the information we need to act on - whether it's an ASBO or a court order for possession of a council-owned property, you can be sure we will take a hard line."

Only four breeds are covered by the Dangerous Dogs Act - the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Braziliera. Most problems with fighting dogs involve Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Mastiffs, Douge De Bordeaux and Rotweillers which are excluded.

January 9, 2008