ALMOST 400 dogs have been mirco-chipped and several more banned breeds and dangerously out of control canines have been seized by police on Merseyside in the last three weeks.
The figures come halfway through Merseyside Police's six-week operation to tackle irresponsible dog ownership. Officers from the force's dog section, along with neighbourhood officers and partner organisations, have been patrolling parks and open spaces, meeting hundreds of dog owners. Partners have micro-chipped over 390 dogs, given out 36 neutering vouchers and seized a number of dogs which are banned breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act, or have been dangerously out of control in a public place.
The operation, which is in response to concerns voiced by residents followings a number of incidents involving dog attacks across the UK still has another three weeks of activity throughout the Merseyside area.
Inspector Mark Fallows of Merseyside Police's dog section said: "The operation has been very successful so far, and the public are pleased to see our officers out and about in Merseyside Parks.
"By meeting with dog owners we have been able to reassure them that our operation is not about demonising them or their dogs, but encouraging responsible dog ownership and targeting those who use their dogs to intimidate others."
Activity is set to continue for the next three weeks across Merseyside with a number of initiatives. In Knowsley next week officers will be meeting with postmen and women to talk about the problems that many of them face in their job every day.
Chief Inspector Kevin Wellens said: "Postal workers are a group of people who may face specific challenges with dogs in their job. We are keen to talk to them about any particular problems that they face as part of their "bite back" campaign."
MP calls on No 10 for toughter action on danger dogs
Wavertree MP Luciana Berger is today petitioning Number 10 Downing Street and Parliament with parents who have lost children to dangerous dog attacks to call for the Government to take tougher action.
The Liverpool Wavertree MP has been campaigning for a change in dangerous dog laws since the tragic death of four-year-old John Paul Massey in her constituency in 2009.
Ms Berger will join John Paul’s mother Angela McGlynn and the parents of Jade Lomas-Anderson - the 14-year-old schoolgirl who was tragically mauled to death in March of this year – to present a petition to Downing Street.
The Labour & Co-operative MP will also present the petition - which has been signed by more than 4,000 people - on the floor of the House of Commons at the close of parliamentary business on Tuesday.
She will join a number of other MPs, including Julie Hilling MP, who have campaigned for the inclusion of stronger measures to crack-down on irresponsible dog ownership and dangerous dog attacks in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Bill, which is currently being considered by Parliament.
