Pendle MP, Gordon Prentice, is pressing Ministers to review the operation and effectiveness of the legislation on dangerous dogs. He says the number of people he sees in Pendle with ferocious looking dogs seems to be on the increase.

The MP also claims the tiny number of prosecutions belies the growing scale of the problem.

Last year the NHSW in England provided a total of 10,231 bed days to 4,574 patients admitted after being bitten or struck by a dog. The cost of treating people attacked by dogs is around £1.6m says the MP.

Speaking from Westminster, the MP said: “There is absolutely no need for people to keep ferocious dogs and to allow them in public spaces.”

“I want to see beefed up dog warden services and a zero tolerance attitude to irresponsible dog owners.”

Note to Editors: Offences involving dogs

Failure to comply with an order to keep a dog under proper control etc. Dangerous dog not kept under proper control.
1999 - 401
2000 - 462
2001 - 374
2002 - 336
2003 - 335
2004 - 352
2005 - 306

Breeding or breeding from a fighting dog.
1999 - 1
2000 - 2
2001 - 1
2002 - 6
2003 - 4
2004 - 15
2005 - 3

Allowing a fighting dog to be in a public place without a muzzle or a lead.
1999 - 11
2000 - 9
2001 - 4
2002 - 3
2003 - 2
2004 - 2
2005 - 3

Abandoning, or allowing to stray, a fighting dog.
1999 - 2
2000 - -
2001 - -
2002 - 1
2003 - -
2004 - -
2005 - 1

Possession, without exemption, of a Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa or other designated fighting dog.
1999 - 12
2000 - 5
2001 - 4
2002 - 6
2003 - 1
2004 - 5
2005 - 11

Total offences
1999 - 427
2000 - 478
2001 - 383
2002 - 352
2003 - 342
2004 - 374
2005 - 324