Dangerous dogs 'must be reported'

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Police on Merseyside are urging people to report dangerous dogs following the death of a four-year-old boy.

John Paul Massey was mauled to death by a pitbull-type breed, one of four banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Merseyside Police are urging people to report any banned-breed dogs and those of legal breeds that are aggressive or have bitten people.

The force has apologised after earlier reports of dog breeding at the Wavertree house were not followed up.

In February, a housing officer told police residents had complained about suspected dog breeding at the Ash Grove property, but were wrongly told it was not a police matter.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating why the dog breeding reports were not followed up.

The animal also savaged the child's grandmother, Helen Foulkes, as she tried to protect John Paul. She was injured and treated in hospital.

The dog was shot dead by armed police outside the house in the early hours of Monday.

John Paul's grandmother was hurt trying to stop the attack

A criminal investigation was launched when tests later revealed the dog was a banned breed.

Deputy Chief Constable Patricia Gallan, of Merseyside Police, said: "We take the issue of dangerous dogs very seriously and there is no place for them on the streets of Merseyside.

"During the last three years we have taken action to take dangerous dogs off the streets. We are determined to continue our work to ensure the safety of people living, working and visiting Merseyside.

"I would urge anyone who has concerns about a dangerous dog to contact us."

Out of control

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 bans the breeding, sale or exchange of four kinds of dogs: pit bull terriers, Japanese tosas, the dogo Argentinos and the fila brasileiros.

Cross-breeds of these are also covered by the law. Other dogs that appear bred for fighting are also banned.

A dog classed as dangerously out of control in a public place can be destroyed and the owner fined or jailed for up to six months.

Owners can be imprisoned for a maximum of two years if their dog injures someone.