Labour proposes a crackdown on dangerous dogs and illegal breeds

Labour has issued a crackdown on dangerous dogs, in a new move set to stamp out illegal breeds and vicious attacks.

Gangs in Hackney often use dangerous dogs as gang status symbols, and illegal dog fighting is common between the border of Hackney and Islington.

New proposals from Labour ministers state that all dog owners in England and Wales would have to insure against their pet attacking someone.

According to proposals, police and local authorities could also be given powers to force owners of dangerous dogs to muzzle them or even get them neutered.

The move will repsond to the rise in the use of animals to intimidate or threaten people.

Dog fighting became popular in the UK around 2008, and has since grown with more dangerous dogs being bred in the borough, and across London.

Animal campaigners claim the rise of gang culture has resulted in the banned dogs being bred underground to be used as weapons at their owners’ command.

The border between Dalston and Islington is renowned for being particularly bad, with reports of dangerous dogs on Essex Road.

The Tories blame Labour, saying they have allowed the problem to grow in recent years.

According to the BBC, each week, more than 100 people are admitted to hospital after dog attacks.

Just a few weeks before a general election is expected, the government will look into amending the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act.

This legislation banned four types - the pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the dogo Argentino and the fila Brasileiro - from public places.

The government is launching a consultation that suggests also banning them from people's homes.

The RSPCA said a serious debate on the issue was needed, concentrating on curbing irresponsible pet ownership.

The Control of Dogs Bill would allow councils to impose restrictions on owners who failed to control their pets.

The Dangerous Dogs Act, which was passed by Parliament in 1991 after a spate of attacks, brought in destruction orders for banned dogs in England and Wales.