Dog walkers call for action (From Ealing Times)

Dog walkers call for action

9:18am Sunday 4th May 2008 in

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DOG WALKERS in Acton are calling on council officers to impose tough measures on owners who let dangerous breeds run off their leads.

Dogs have killed trees in Springfield Garden by stripping the bark off by them during behaviour known as ringing.

Many owners are also intimidated by Staffordshire Bull Terriers allowed to run off their leads.

In one case a dog terrorised children as they played in a playground in the popular park.

Now Ealing Council has promised to take action against owners who allow their pets to run amok.

Dog owner Nicky Howard, 61, who uses the park regularly, said: "There have been a number of incidents of dogs ringing trees, which kills them, and I have even seen dogs being allowed to run around in the kiddies' play area.

"I have been after the council to do something about this for a while, and I have even called in local police officers to do something about it.

"These dogs have to be kept on their leads because they can be dangerous and could seriously harm other dogs, or even people, wanting to use the park.

"It's completely irresponsible to allow these kind of dogs to be off their leads."

Council officers have promised action to try and stop the problem.

Verity Adams, a spokesman for the council, said: "Park staff have been working with Acton Central Safer Neighbourhood Team to ensure dog owners behave responsibly.

"Police Community Support Officers have spoken with the owners of the Staffordshire Bulls about keeping their dogs on a lead and muzzled.

"Extra signs have now been installed in the park prohibiting dogs from entering the playground area."