MORE than �150,000 will be invested to crack down on dangerous dogs over the next two years. The money will be invested by Tower Hamlets council which says it will work with the police, housing associations and RSPCA and provide the borough s dog wardens

MORE than �150,000 will be invested to crack down on dangerous dogs over the next two years.

The money will be invested by Tower Hamlets council which says it will work with the police, housing associations and RSPCA and provide the borough's dog wardens with necessary training and equipment to deal with dangerous animals and give them the use of specialised dog kennels.

The council also wants residents to report any concerns about dangerous dogs and says information can be given confidentially.

Community safety leader Cllr Abdal Ullah said: "We're determined to make sure that people feel safe when they're out and about in the borough and that means tackling the issue of dangerous dogs.

"This investment will see the council and its partners better equipped to actively deal with these types of animals which are a menace on our streets and in our housing estates and parks."

The cash has already been put to good use upgrading the dog cages at the borough's dog centre to safely contain large and aggressive animals.

The council's animal warden service has taken in more than 200 stray dogs since April 1, 2008 in Tower Hamlets and140 of them were Staffordshire bull terriers or similar crossbreeds. Of these, 105 had to be put down.

Cllr Ullah added: "Staffordshire bull terriers and crosses with big dogs like mastiffs and American bull dogs are not fashion accessory that can be thrown away when the owner gets bored or they become too big and aggressive to control.

"I'm afraid that there are no homes for dogs that become unmanageable through irresponsible ownership. The next step is to put them down."

The council offers a free neutering service for any bull type dog. More information is available from the animal neutering clinic on 020 7987 3045 or the animal warden service on 020 7364 5008.

Concerns about banned breeds of dogs, or dogs that regularly cause nuisance or act aggressively in public should be reported to the animal warden service and dog attacks should be reported to the police.