Dangerous dogs ‘same as weapon’

OWNING a dangerous dog could soon attract the same punishment as for owning an offensive weapon.

London Councils – which represents 33 councils in the capital – said the problem, in particular so-called status dogs used by gangs as weapons, was growing – with a huge increase in the number of dogs seized by police and destroyed.

Councillor Claire Kober said: “People need to be reassured local authorities have the powers to deal with dangerous dogs.

“People were sickened by the recent dog attack on policemen in east London, and worried about dangerous, uncontrolled dogs and thugs using ‘status dogs’ as weapons.

The Government was accused of failing to fulfil a promise to strengthen the law on dangerous dogs.