Two Japanese akitas, seized under the Dangerous Dogs Act after they were found roaming in Bradford city centre, could be destroyed within days.

The dogs are being kept in Bradford Council custody after they were tracked and lassoed by dog wardens near to a child's play area in Springmill Street, West Bowling.

Frightened members of the public had raised the alarm after seeing the animals roaming near the National Media Museum.

The Council's dog warden service has contacted the people they believe own the dogs but dog warden manager Terry Singh said they had so far failed to accept responsibility for the costs incurred in seizing and keeping the dogs.

He added: "We have served a notice on the owners to claim the dogs within seven days. If they don't claim them the dogs will be destroyed because they are not suitable to rehome."

But Bradford businessman Richard Farrar, who has bred akitas for 30 years, says they are a safe breed and has offered to rehome them.

He said: "They are getting a bad name which is undeserved. I can find a home for them. The problem is with the owners, rather than the dogs, and there should be a proper vetting process for anyone wanting to own them."