Dog owners urged to abide by laws

Officers from the GMP’s Tactical Dog Unit are targeting legally registered pit bull owners who fail to insure their pets.

This operation is a follow up to ensure those owners are still abiding by the conditions imposed by the courts.

Changes were made to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 earlier this year giving police greater powers to tackle irresponsible dog owners.

Police regularly act on public information to seize and assess dogs believed to be of a banned breed.

Inspector Viv Loder from the Specialist Protective Services Branch said: “The dog owners are fully aware of the conditions that have been imposed by the court.

“One of those conditions is that the insurance for the dog must be kept up-to-date. A number of owners in the GMP area have let their insurance lapse.

“If the insurance is not renewed this gives officers the power to seize the dog and place the case back before the court to request appropriate action which can be a destruction order.”

If you have relevant information you wish to report to the police, dial 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.