Fifteen dogs have been seized across the city since the start of a Council crackdown on dangerous dogs, it was revealed today.

The action comes after a Bradford Council boss announced a blitz on stray dogs in the T&A last month following a spate of attacks in the city.

Bradford Councillor Jim O'Neill, chairman of the Council's housing and environment protection committee, said the dogs would be rounded up after the horrific mauling of six-year-old Allan Sproat by a Bull Mastiff in Girlington.

The youngster needed 19 stitches in his arm, hand and shoulder.

Dog warden manager Terry Singh hailed the action a success. He said: "When residents contact us we do take action and we are delighted with the results so far. All the dogs are kept for seven days and will either be reclaimed, adopted or destroyed."

Yesterday the T&A carried a report on a Bradford mother who hit out at the dog warden service amid claims that a labrador had bitten ten children in Lower Grange. Householder Pauline Holt said not enough was being done by the service to locate the animal.

Mr Singh said only one person had reported a stray in that area, but there had been no mention of anyone being bitten. He said officers had patrolled the area and stressed that if there were any more problems residents should call the service or contact the police.

By way of example, Mr Singh cited an incident on Bank Holiday Monday where he was called out by police to a fair at Shipley Glen.

Fairground owner Denise Breeze alerted the police to the packed event after she witnessed a Staffordshire Bull Terrier jumping on rides.

Mrs Breeze said: "There could have easily been an accident. The dog seemed happy enough but it was jumping around and it could have easily got knocked over or caused an accident.

"In the end I had to keep it in a pay booth until it was taken away in the afternoon."

The dog's owner has now been warned and will incur costs.

Mr Singh advises all dog owners to ensure their dogs can be identified with collars specifying their owner's name, address or contact number or risk being fined under the Control of Dogs Order 1992.

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