Dangerous dogs are city-wide menace

The RSPCA, police, city and county councillors and Oxford East MP Andrew Smith met on Thursday to discuss a two-year string of incidents in Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys where dogs have attacked people and cats.

The meeting revealed the problem was spread evenly across the city, with attacks most prevalent in Jericho in the last six months.

Police, RSPCA and both councils pledged to publicise telephone numbers so people know whom to call if concerned about dog attacks.

Richard Stevens, county councillor for Leys and Lye, said: “The key thing was the need to communicate more what people should do if they are concerned about dangerous dogs.”

Police said there were 43 reported incidents of dogs dangerously out of control in Oxford last year.

Between April 2007 and April 2008 there were 17 and the following year 28.

Blackbird Leys sergeant Rob Axe said the attacks could range from a small dog nipping someone to a frenzied attack by a Staffordshire bull terrier.

He also said criminals were choosing aggressive dogs over knives to avoid harsh knife-crime penalties.

In the past six months there have been attacks in Jericho (six), Headington (five), Rose Hill and Blackbird Leys (four), Wood Farm, Barton and Marston (four) and the city (two).

Sgt Axe said: “I was surprised by the figures because I assumed Blackbird Leys was the busiest estate for this type of thing but I have been proved wrong.”

Doug Davidson, RSPCA inspector for Oxfordshire, warned people caught encouraging dogs to fight could be fined up to £20,000.

eallen@oxfordmail.co.uk

HELPLINES

If there is an imminent threat or danger from a dog, call police in an emergency on 999.

If you have concerns about a dog or its owner, report it on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Concerns about animal welfare should be directed to the RSPCA on 0300 1234999 (24 hours).

To report a stray dog call Oxford City Council during office hours on 01865 252887 or 01865 742138 out of hours.