0:00:02 > 0:00:04Today, a dangerous dogs special.
0:00:23 > 0:00:28Each week, more than 100 people have to be admitted to hospital
0:00:28 > 0:00:30after being bitten by a dog -
0:00:30 > 0:00:34the human cost behind the controversy of dangerous dogs.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40We're on patrol with the teams searching for suspect breeds.
0:00:40 > 0:00:45You're seizing both of them? You can't seize my dogs for that.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49That's not fair. Look how friendly the dog is.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53'Hugo, a huge Rottweiler, trained to attack the police.'
0:00:53 > 0:00:58We've been told that he's putting nails in a stick
0:00:58 > 0:01:01and hitting the dog to make it angry.
0:01:01 > 0:01:06'And I witness first hand how the dogs can be victims, too.'
0:01:06 > 0:01:12This is a victim. It was attacked by a pit type dog.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20The number of dangerous dogs seized from our streets
0:01:20 > 0:01:23has risen 20-fold in six years.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25It's hard to imagine that increase,
0:01:25 > 0:01:30but that's the scale of the issue the RSPCA and the police are facing,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33as potentially aggressive animals
0:01:33 > 0:01:36are becoming a must-have status symbol.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40But is it the dog or the owner who is to blame?
0:01:40 > 0:01:42Today's programme will investigate.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47First, we're on patrol with a squad set up to crack down on the problem.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56'Newham, east London.
0:01:58 > 0:02:04'Led by Tina Delaney from the council's animal welfare service,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07'this is the dangerous dogs patrol.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10'Their main weapon is the Dangerous Dogs Act,
0:02:10 > 0:02:15'that defines certain breeds, like pit bulls, as high risk.
0:02:15 > 0:02:20'They can only be kept if their owner registers them.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23'Any dog that is not registered is seized.
0:02:23 > 0:02:29'The unit is one of a number of teams monitoring and seizing
0:02:29 > 0:02:34'the capital's ever-growing population of status dogs.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39'Today, they're investigating a complaint that a local garage
0:02:39 > 0:02:43'is using illegal pit bull terriers as guard dogs.'
0:02:43 > 0:02:47This officer's from the Metropolitan Police.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52We've had two complaints regarding you having pit bull terrier types.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Can you show me where your dogs are?
0:02:55 > 0:03:00'The owner claims he has American bull dogs, not on the banned list.'
0:03:00 > 0:03:02BARKS
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- Easy. Easy. - And do you have another one?
0:03:05 > 0:03:10- Yeah. I have a pup who's half Staff. - Can you show me that one?
0:03:10 > 0:03:17'Tina needs to see what his half-Staffordshire bull terrier is crossed with.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20'Cross breeds, if paired with a banned animal,
0:03:20 > 0:03:24'are as likely to be seized as a full breed.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29'The dog is called Honey and greets the team with a wagging tail.'
0:03:29 > 0:03:31She's proper friendly, look.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Yes, she is nice.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36She's not dangerous to anything.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40'But whether a dog is seized or not
0:03:40 > 0:03:44'is not down to temperament, it's simply down to breed.'
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- What breed do you believe it to be? - When I obtained this dog,
0:03:48 > 0:03:52the guy said it's got a Shar-Pei in it and a Staff.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55I've only gone by what I've been told.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59I'm going to seize your dog as a pit bull terrier type.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04I'll have the dogs assessed. You may have to think about your security.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- Which dog?- I'm seizing both of them. - Both of them?
0:04:08 > 0:04:11You can't seize my dog. Look how friendly my dog is.
0:04:11 > 0:04:16Once the dogs are seized, they will be independently assessed.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20If they're of type, then we will discuss options with you.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24'The owner is adamant that his dogs are not illegal breeds.'
0:04:24 > 0:04:28If they're not pit bulls, we will bring them back.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32If they are, then there are various options.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35If they're not, you will get them back.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38Look how friendly the dog is.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43She is friendly, but I am concerned that she has pit bull terrier.
0:04:43 > 0:04:49'Further investigation reveals this owner also has another dog,
0:04:49 > 0:04:51'being kept in poor conditions.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58'All three are seized. They will be taken to an independent assessor.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06'If any are found to be pit bull type and the owner wants them back,
0:05:06 > 0:05:10'he'll have to apply for a licence from the courts.
0:05:10 > 0:05:15'First, he would have to prove that he can look after them responsibly.
0:05:18 > 0:05:24'Across the capital, in northwest London, another dangerous dogs team is on patrol.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28'The Barnet Action for Responsible Canines, or BARC,
0:05:28 > 0:05:31'was launched in January 2007.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37'It's a partnership between the council, the Met Police,
0:05:37 > 0:05:41'Mayhew Animal Home and the RSPCA.
0:05:41 > 0:05:46'Today, they're investigating complaints that a possible pit bull
0:05:46 > 0:05:52'called Kizzy, is being allowed to run freely around a block of flats,
0:05:52 > 0:05:54'terrorising the residents.'
0:05:56 > 0:06:00Hello, Jackie. Can you stick him in the kitchen?
0:06:00 > 0:06:04'Sergeant Roger Mitham explains why the team is here.'
0:06:04 > 0:06:09We fears that Kizzy might be prohibited type, a Section 1 dog.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13There's conditions about having a Section 1 dog.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16You don't want to be out in the street with Kizzy,
0:06:16 > 0:06:21- and you're doing it unlawfully... - WOMAN: Exactly.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26'Kizzy is quickly identified as pit bull type and will be seized.'
0:06:26 > 0:06:31We don't want the dog to bite somebody and you don't get it back.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33'Her owner is devastated.'
0:06:33 > 0:06:36This is the way to keep the dog.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41There are lots of conditions that you'll have to comply with.
0:06:41 > 0:06:46'Roger Mitham is happy with the way Kizzy's being cared for.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50'This makes a huge difference to her future.'
0:06:50 > 0:06:54I'm reasonably happy that this lady is a responsible owner.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57The dog isn't going to be misused.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01There is an opportunity for the dog to be taken, be registered,
0:07:01 > 0:07:06and the dog returned to her, pending the court's approval,
0:07:06 > 0:07:12which she is quite keen to follow through with, as well.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14'If this owner goes to court,
0:07:14 > 0:07:18'she will have to have Kizzy microchipped, tattooed
0:07:18 > 0:07:22'and ensure she always wears a muzzle in public.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26'Only then will she be allowed home.
0:07:31 > 0:07:37'Earlier, we saw three suspected pit bulls, Sugar, Honey and Ty,
0:07:37 > 0:07:41'being seized from a garage in east London.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45'They've been brought to a secret location
0:07:45 > 0:07:51'to be assessed by a specialist vet qualified to identify banned breeds.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55'The nature of her work means her identity must be protected.'
0:07:55 > 0:08:01She was in a stable without any water, in quite a lot of faeces.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06'She quickly confirms Sugar and Honey are, in fact, pit bulls.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11'Next, it's Ty's turn.'
0:08:11 > 0:08:14WOMAN: He's got a sort of bulldog head.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18He's a guard dog. Any guard dog is potentially dangerous.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20You want a tickle?
0:08:20 > 0:08:25'This dog seems to be a big softie, but is he a pit bull?'
0:08:25 > 0:08:27WOMAN LAUGHS
0:08:27 > 0:08:34He doesn't conform so he will be going back. The two girls do, so they won't be going back.
0:08:34 > 0:08:39We'll deliver him back today and the two bitches will stay for a while.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45'Ty can now go home.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51'And the team breaks the news to his owner
0:08:51 > 0:08:56'that the female dogs won't be coming back, at least, for now.'
0:08:56 > 0:09:01The bitches have been assessed. They are pit bull terrier types.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- "Type"? Are they, though? - Yes. They conform.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08That's news to me.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11As far as I was concerned, king staff.
0:09:11 > 0:09:17King staff, Irish staff, long-legged staff are all slang for pit bull.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19Obviously, you've not known that.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23If you come in, we'll look at what happens from there.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27- Thank you for being so cooperative. - That's fine.- Cheers.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33'The owner has two options.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36'He can choose to register his dogs.
0:09:36 > 0:09:42'Or he can choose to do nothing, and his dogs will be put to sleep.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45'Their future lies in his hands.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- 'Later...' - We're going to seize your dog.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58MAN: No, man. Don't take my dog!
0:09:58 > 0:10:01What are you taking my dog for, man?
0:10:02 > 0:10:06'..And the dog left to suffer after a brutal attack.'
0:10:06 > 0:10:08They go for the neck.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11He had him for a quarter of an hour,
0:10:11 > 0:10:15and got it off by hitting the pit type dog with a truncheon.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21Amazingly, in Britain today,
0:10:21 > 0:10:25a pit bull can be bought for as little as a mobile phone.
0:10:25 > 0:10:30This may go some way to explain why the number being seized
0:10:30 > 0:10:32has increased at such a rate.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36They're not the only breed classed as dangerous.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40Any dog can be a threat to the public, as this story shows.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52'Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
0:10:52 > 0:10:57'Inspector Dave McAdam has been called to assist the police
0:10:57 > 0:11:01'with a dangerous eviction of some tenants and a dog.
0:11:01 > 0:11:09'It's reported that one of the tenants has trained his Rottweiler dog to attack the police.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14'Dave is working with Sergeant Toby Fawcett-Greaves and PC Rich Siddall.'
0:11:14 > 0:11:19The guy in question was charged, having used the dog,
0:11:19 > 0:11:22set it on our colleagues that tried to arrest him.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26'Dave had complaints that the dog is being abused.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29'The police had similar reports.'
0:11:29 > 0:11:33We've been told that he's been putting nails in a stick
0:11:33 > 0:11:38and hitting the dog to make it angry, goading people with it.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42'Dave has years of experience in dealing with dangerous dogs.
0:11:42 > 0:11:48'He has worked for the RSPCA for 20 years and as a Parachute Regiment dog handler.
0:11:48 > 0:11:53'It's taught him to always be prepared.'
0:11:53 > 0:11:56I have a grasper, which I would use.
0:11:56 > 0:12:01A grasper's simply a pole with a steel wire at the end,
0:12:01 > 0:12:04like a loop you put over the dog's head,
0:12:04 > 0:12:09and you control it from a distance, where it can't bite you - as much.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13It's still a very difficult situation.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19'Evictions are often tense and fractious.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24'With the threat of a dog trained to attack, they can also be dangerous.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30'Dave and the police are going in ahead of the local council,
0:12:30 > 0:12:35'to clear the way and make their visit as safe as possible.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40'Their presence may not be welcome.
0:12:40 > 0:12:45'The dog has been used as a weapon, and it could be again.'
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Hello, mate. Dave McAdam, RSPCA...
0:12:48 > 0:12:54'The dog is locked away. The owner's brother Robert answers the door.'
0:12:54 > 0:12:58The reason why I got called was on a welfare notice.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- I rang you.- Someone else phoned saying the dog was getting beat.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Yeah. That was me.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08'It was, in fact, Robert who called the police.
0:13:08 > 0:13:15'His brother is in prison, leaving him and his girlfriend Tracy to care for the dog.'
0:13:15 > 0:13:19Just so I can see his face. Where are you, big fella?
0:13:19 > 0:13:22'Dave wants to take a closer look.'
0:13:24 > 0:13:27BARKING
0:13:27 > 0:13:34'Behind the door is a frightened and aggressive two-year-old Rottweiler, Hugo.'
0:13:34 > 0:13:36That's smashing, mate. Yeah...
0:13:36 > 0:13:40'Dave believes dogs aren't born dangerous.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43'They're reared to be this way.
0:13:43 > 0:13:50'Robert tells Dave that his brother used violent techniques to train the dog to attack.'
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- What went on with your brother? Did you see him doing it?- Yeah.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56I used to have to stop it.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00He used to get metal bars, crowbars, just beat it.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02Why was he doing that?
0:14:02 > 0:14:06- WOMAN:- Because he wanted to stop... BEEP
0:14:08 > 0:14:11'Robert and Tracy confirmed Dave's fears.'
0:14:11 > 0:14:13It is quite a feisty dog.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16'Once they're evicted,
0:14:16 > 0:14:22'Robert and Tracy won't be able to care for Hugo and are seeking help.'
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- Do you want to sign him over to me? - He won't get put down?
0:14:26 > 0:14:29To be honest, I cannot guarantee it.
0:14:29 > 0:14:34Because I can't rehome a dog if it's going to maim a child.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36'Although Rottweilers aren't banned,
0:14:36 > 0:14:40'this dog is aggressive and is clearly dangerous.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44'Unless a solution is found, Hugo will be destroyed.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47'Dave prepares to remove the dog.'
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- You'll bring him out on a lead? - Yeah.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54We'll disperse out the way, mate. That's lovely...
0:14:54 > 0:15:00'Following Robert's advice, he decides it might not be safe to use the grasper.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04'Hugo's been trained to attack when he sees a uniform.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07'Dave and the police must back away.'
0:15:07 > 0:15:10We'll stand well back.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14'Now at a safe distance, Hugo can make his entrance.
0:15:19 > 0:15:24'Though not showing signs of aggression, he's clearly a handful.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31'Everyone gives him a wide berth,
0:15:31 > 0:15:34'especially the police.
0:15:35 > 0:15:40'Outside, the sheer power of this dog is clear to see.'
0:15:40 > 0:15:44If you can pop him in, that'll be brilliant.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46'To avoid being bitten...'
0:15:46 > 0:15:50What we'll do, mate. I'll pop that on his head...
0:15:50 > 0:15:54'..Dave uses the grasper to lift Hugo into the van.'
0:15:57 > 0:15:59Good boy.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04'An upsetting situation, but a necessary one.'
0:16:04 > 0:16:09You can see he's a confident big fella, and he's got big teeth.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12So he could do a lot of damage.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16'Although Hugo is clearly not friendly,
0:16:16 > 0:16:20'Dave does want to try and find him a home.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25'He sees if someone would be willing to rehome him as a working dog.'
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Hello, love. It's Dave...
0:16:27 > 0:16:31'But Hugo has previous form for biting.'
0:16:31 > 0:16:32BARKS
0:16:32 > 0:16:37'Will anyone be prepared to take him on?
0:16:42 > 0:16:44'Coming up...'
0:16:44 > 0:16:49It's a big young fit dog and he's a bit... Well, a lot grumbly.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52It might make a good forces' dog.
0:16:52 > 0:16:58'And the dangerous dogs team delivers some vital advice.'
0:16:58 > 0:17:02Now is the time to discourage her from mouthing humans
0:17:02 > 0:17:06and encourage her to mouth something else, like her favourite toys.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14Often, in cases involving dogs which could threaten humans,
0:17:14 > 0:17:18the suffering of the animal itself can be forgotten.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22We saw how Hugo was trained to hate people.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27Not nice for anyone he came across, and a miserable existence for him.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32When dogs are raised to be aggressive, it's a serious problem.
0:17:32 > 0:17:37Here at Harmsworth, David Grant sees those results most days.
0:17:37 > 0:17:38Good morning.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41This is the first of the day.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44This is a victim, a true Staffie.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48It was out this morning, going to the loo,
0:17:48 > 0:17:54and it was attacked by a pit type dog which grabbed it round the neck.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59The owner said, "Get it out the way or my dog will attack it." It did.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02When they attack, they go for the neck.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05He had him for a quarter of an hour
0:18:05 > 0:18:10and got it off by hitting the pit type dog with a truncheon.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- That's nasty.- It is quite nasty. - It's deep.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17All this is very swollen. The dog is very depressed.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22- See how pale it is.- It's pale from shock and blood loss?
0:18:22 > 0:18:24Not so much blood loss.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29The shock of being held for a quarter of an hour by a nasty dog.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33You can see that dogs can be the innocent victims.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Mostly they are.
0:18:35 > 0:18:41On many estates, people are in fear of taking their dog out for a walk.
0:18:41 > 0:18:46It happens a lot. We get two or three of these every day.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50This dog has been picked on by a much bigger pit type dog.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54Those dogs are the villains, particularly their owners.
0:18:54 > 0:18:59The aggressive dog can be a victim. They were only trained.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01The dogs are the victims.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Even the nasty pit type dogs
0:19:03 > 0:19:07are potentially nice dogs in the right hands.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09In the wrong hands, a lethal weapon.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15Most dogs are loved by their owners
0:19:15 > 0:19:19and should inspire affection in people they meet.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23But an increasing number are trained to do the opposite.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28They're reared harshly to be aggressive and feared by outsiders.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32These are "status dogs" and they're such a threat
0:19:32 > 0:19:36the police formed a unit to target them.
0:19:40 > 0:19:46'The status dog unit deals with many breeds of dog, but the majority are pit bulls.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50'I want to find out more about this notorious breed,
0:19:50 > 0:19:54'so I'm meeting the head of the unit, Sgt Ian McParland.'
0:19:54 > 0:19:56BARKING
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- Hello. Who have we got here? - This is Max.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03He's one of our latest pit bulls to join us.
0:20:03 > 0:20:10Always a bit of trepidation when a pit bull's about to appear. Hello.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- I can put my hand out?- You can.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Stroke him and all those things you do?
0:20:16 > 0:20:20We've handled him and pulled him around to be examined.
0:20:20 > 0:20:25Tell me more about the status dog unit. It's relatively new, isn't it?
0:20:25 > 0:20:29It started in March 2009, and set up because of the increase
0:20:29 > 0:20:34in the number of people using their dogs for anti-social behaviour.
0:20:35 > 0:20:40Do you have any figures about the growth in this problem?
0:20:40 > 0:20:43The number of dogs you're dealing with?
0:20:43 > 0:20:48Between 2002 and 2006, the Met was seizing about 40 dogs a year.
0:20:48 > 0:20:5480% of those were pit bull terriers, used for anti-social purposes.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57That's gone up year on year, until last year
0:20:57 > 0:21:03we seized 719 dogs, and in the first six months of this year, over 600.
0:21:03 > 0:21:08- Over 600 dogs in the first six months?- In London alone.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- That's three or four a day.- Yeah.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16- Now, this is a pit bull, is that right?- Yeah.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19What are the distinguishing features?
0:21:19 > 0:21:25We use the American Dog Breeders' Association standard.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29Things like looking for a good bend in the dog's back end.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33So if he's having a fight and gets pushed backwards
0:21:33 > 0:21:35he can spring forwards again.
0:21:35 > 0:21:41The whole of the standard is about how this dog can fight another dog.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46- He's pretty strong, giving your arm a work-out!- You can hold him.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49I'd like to see how strong he is,
0:21:49 > 0:21:51to understand the power.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53There you go!
0:21:53 > 0:21:57The one thing that Max proves is that it's not about the breed
0:21:57 > 0:22:00it's how they were brought up.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03Max is supposedly a dangerous dog,
0:22:03 > 0:22:07- here I am and I'm not feeling that worried about it.- No.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11- But what you have to remember is... - I'm off!
0:22:11 > 0:22:15..that they are bred to be dog-aggressive.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19In London, most dogs are attached to a human.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23So even dogs that are human-friendly,
0:22:23 > 0:22:28they'll attack another dog in the park, that someone's holding on to,
0:22:28 > 0:22:32and the person ends up getting injured.
0:22:32 > 0:22:37Once they go through a court process they've always got to be on a leash
0:22:37 > 0:22:40and muzzled when they're in public.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43So that negates a lot of the problems.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47'Max has shown me that some pit bulls
0:22:47 > 0:22:50'don't deserve a bad reputation.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54'They don't always need to be destroyed,
0:22:54 > 0:22:56'if they are treated responsibly.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59'Max is one of the lucky ones.
0:22:59 > 0:23:06'His owner has agreed to all court rules and he will be going home.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10'Later...'
0:23:10 > 0:23:16The dog gets really upset but I can't pat him cos he'd bite you.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18And it's not his fault.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30'The Newham dangerous dogs patrol is responding to a complaint
0:23:30 > 0:23:36'that a resident is allowing his pit bull out in public without a muzzle.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38'This is an offence.'
0:23:38 > 0:23:42The gentleman's just come out of his house.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- He has a pit bull terrier, which I want to seize now.- OK.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50'As suspected, he appears to be walking an unmuzzled pit bull.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55'Tina Delaney and her team have no choice but to seize the dog.'
0:23:57 > 0:24:01I'm from Newham Animal Welfare Service.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05I believe that your dog is a pit bull terrier type.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09- This officer is going to take him... - What do you mean?
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- We're going to seize him. - You can't take him.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16I'm going to explain what's going to happen.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20No. You can't take him. Let me go home.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23Sir, if you just listen for a moment.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28- Your dog will be assessed. - No, man. You can't take my dog.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31Once your dog is assessed...
0:24:31 > 0:24:36How come you say that he's half-pit. He's half-Staff.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Listen to this lady.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43If he is half-pit, you have an illegal dog.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46'The owner's admission confirms Tina's fears.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50'An unregistered pit bull, whether a full breed or crossed,
0:24:50 > 0:24:53'is illegal and must be seized.'
0:24:53 > 0:24:57- Why are you putting this on? - Leave it, my love.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00'Tequila is no exception.'
0:25:00 > 0:25:04No, you... SOUND DIPPED
0:25:04 > 0:25:09- You can't do this.- We can do this. - No, man. You can't take my dog.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12You can't take my dog, man.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16- Listen. It's only for... - No, man. Don't take my dog!
0:25:16 > 0:25:19What are you taking my dog for, man?
0:25:19 > 0:25:21No, man!
0:25:21 > 0:25:23'The owner is becoming more irate.
0:25:23 > 0:25:28'With police intervention, Tequila is seized.'
0:25:28 > 0:25:32Tequila! Where are you taking my dog?!
0:25:36 > 0:25:42'The fight against Britain's dangerous dogs is never-ending.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46'In north London, the BARC unit is patrolling the streets.
0:25:49 > 0:25:54'PC Simon Underwood spots an old acquaintance
0:25:54 > 0:25:56'walking a suspect-looking dog.'
0:25:56 > 0:26:00Of all the people to have a dog like that!
0:26:00 > 0:26:01Tony!
0:26:03 > 0:26:05- How are you doing?- All right, mate?
0:26:05 > 0:26:11'Simon is keen to examine the dog, who has quite an unusual name.'
0:26:11 > 0:26:14- Reefer.- Reeser?- Reefer!
0:26:14 > 0:26:16Yeah!
0:26:16 > 0:26:20'The team asks Reefer's owners if they know what breed she is.'
0:26:20 > 0:26:23Staff.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27I think she's got something else mixed with her. A mongrel!
0:26:27 > 0:26:33'RSPCA inspector Jan Eachus agrees. Staffies aren't banned breeds.
0:26:33 > 0:26:38'But they can be dangerous and this one is developing some bad habits.'
0:26:38 > 0:26:40It's purely just a bull terrier
0:26:40 > 0:26:42sort of a mix.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46It's four months. It's not going to be very big.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49It's still got a set of teeth.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53When they get older, they start biting down a little harder.
0:26:53 > 0:26:58Then somebody accuses the dog of biting him when the dog was playing.
0:26:58 > 0:27:04'With Reefer showing early signs of potentially aggressive behaviour,
0:27:04 > 0:27:07'Jan can't leave without offering some advice.'
0:27:07 > 0:27:11Now is the time to discourage her from mouthing humans
0:27:11 > 0:27:17and encourage her to mouth something else, like her favourite toys.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19- Then praise her for taking that step.- OK.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Thank you. See ya later.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25Thanks a lot.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31'A high-security pound in London.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33DOGS BARK
0:27:33 > 0:27:38'Tequila, the dog seized earlier while being walked by her owner,
0:27:38 > 0:27:40'has just arrived.'
0:27:40 > 0:27:42Hello, darling.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44'If a pit bull status is confirmed,
0:27:44 > 0:27:49'her owner will have to prove he is responsible,
0:27:49 > 0:27:52'otherwise this could be her final home.'
0:27:52 > 0:27:55She's absolutely nice.
0:27:55 > 0:28:00She's a bit worried, but not aggressive. Good girl, aren't you?
0:28:02 > 0:28:07'She joins countless other dogs that are also waiting
0:28:07 > 0:28:10'for their fate to be decided.
0:28:10 > 0:28:16'Last year, the police seized over 700 dangerous dogs in London alone,
0:28:16 > 0:28:19'the majority being of pit bull type.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23'Almost half were destroyed.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27'A couple of pens away from Tequila is a good example
0:28:27 > 0:28:31'of how even friendly pit bulls can be overpowering.'
0:28:31 > 0:28:33She's a lovely pit.
0:28:33 > 0:28:39She uses her mouth a lot, and nips and bites quite a lot.
0:28:39 > 0:28:44That really hurts, when she does that.
0:28:44 > 0:28:51If you encourage this behaviour... you have a dangerous dog
0:28:51 > 0:28:54with power to potentially kill somebody.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56'Next door is Rhino.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59'He was a guard dog. His temperament is very different.'
0:29:02 > 0:29:05- DEEP GROWLING - See? Like that.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07'Aggressively trained status dogs
0:29:07 > 0:29:11'are fast becoming the weapon of choice for gang members,
0:29:11 > 0:29:14'drug dealers and street thugs.'
0:29:14 > 0:29:17They use them to frighten people.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20They have fights between each other's dogs.
0:29:20 > 0:29:25We have complaints about people intimidating people with their dogs,
0:29:25 > 0:29:28or using their dogs to kill cats.
0:29:28 > 0:29:33It's the dog that suffers because the dog is seized,
0:29:33 > 0:29:38and some of the time they are euthanised and put to sleep.
0:29:38 > 0:29:44It is something that's increasing and it's a problem nationwide.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46WHINES
0:29:48 > 0:29:52'Now, it's Tequila's time to be assessed.'
0:29:52 > 0:29:5520 inches both ways. She's very square.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59'If the experts confirm her as pit bull type,
0:29:59 > 0:30:03'her owner has the opportunity to apply to register her
0:30:03 > 0:30:05'and have her back.'
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Looking for 25% more cheek development.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12'If he doesn't, Tequila will be put to sleep.'
0:30:12 > 0:30:15Looking for a nice scissor bite. Nice teeth.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21'It hasn't gone well.'
0:30:21 > 0:30:26The preliminary assessment confirms she's a pit bull type.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29'Tequila's future now rests with her owner.'
0:30:29 > 0:30:33I'm hoping for a positive outcome. She's a nice dog.
0:30:33 > 0:30:38She doesn't pose a danger. He has eight weeks to comply.
0:30:38 > 0:30:43We're hoping to have her returned within two or three weeks.
0:30:43 > 0:30:48We want her to go back and hopefully there shouldn't be any problems.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56'Still to come...'
0:30:56 > 0:31:00You're coming dangerously close.
0:31:00 > 0:31:05You need to control these dogs, or you're not going to have them.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11Pit bulls cannot be rehomed.
0:31:11 > 0:31:15Sadly, a large number of dogs that are seized are put to sleep
0:31:15 > 0:31:20because their owners choose not to follow the law.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24Any dog classed as dangerous poses the same problems.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29Earlier, RSPCA inspector Dave McAdam seized a large Rottweiler, Hugo.
0:31:29 > 0:31:34Hugo's owner trained him to be aggressive, and it worked.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37Hugo has bitten several people,
0:31:37 > 0:31:41but Dave is not prepared to give up just yet.
0:31:50 > 0:31:55'Inspector Dave McAdam is trying to find someone willing to take Hugo,
0:31:55 > 0:31:58'a potentially aggressive Rottweiler.'
0:31:58 > 0:32:03A difficult circumstance, people can no longer look after a dog.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06Big Rottweiler, about two years old.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09Now, it is aggressive...
0:32:09 > 0:32:15'He's hoping the armed forces may rehome Hugo as a working dog.'
0:32:15 > 0:32:20It's a big young fit dog and he's a bit... Well, a lot grumbly.
0:32:20 > 0:32:25- 'The phone call hasn't gone well.' - Thanks anyway. Bye.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29You've heard that, haven't you? Did you hear what she said?
0:32:29 > 0:32:33Because it's bitten, they don't think they'll take him.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37'With no-one willing to take the dog, Dave has no option.'
0:32:37 > 0:32:40The last thing you want is him to go for a child.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44Potentially, he could kill someone.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46'Hugo will be put to sleep.'
0:32:46 > 0:32:50Do you guys want to think about it and have a chat?
0:32:50 > 0:32:55What can you...? We'll leave you for a couple of minutes.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59'Because Hugo isn't on the dangerous breeds list,
0:32:59 > 0:33:01'Dave can't just seize him.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05'Although having an animal put to sleep is distressing,
0:33:05 > 0:33:08'Robert and Tracy feel they have no choice.'
0:33:08 > 0:33:14You have made a decision which is right for the dog and for people.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17It's not the dog's fault. It's not your fault.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21You've been hugely responsible in a very difficult situation.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25'Tracy and Robert are left to say a final farewell.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41'Dave heads to the Chesterfield Animal Home.
0:33:41 > 0:33:46'High-risk dogs like Hugo have to be put to sleep straight away.'
0:33:46 > 0:33:48Thanks for coming, mate.
0:33:48 > 0:33:53'Inspector Mike Scargill helps Dave in what could be a dangerous job.'
0:33:53 > 0:33:58All right, young chap? Pop your head in there. Good lad. Here we go.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01'So far, Hugo is behaving.'
0:34:01 > 0:34:04Good lad. Good boy.
0:34:04 > 0:34:10'Dave knows this dog's temperament could change at any moment.'
0:34:10 > 0:34:13It's a real sad situation.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16I meet hundreds of fantastic Rottweilers.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19It's not a problem with Rottweilers.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22It's not any dog in particular.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27The problem comes when people do not socialise the dog properly.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30It's the one of most upsetting parts of our job,
0:34:30 > 0:34:33putting down a young healthy dog.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37We know the reasons why, though. It could maim someone.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39OK? Come on, chap.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- 'All of a sudden...' - SNARLING
0:34:42 > 0:34:44'Hugo shows his true colours.'
0:34:44 > 0:34:47That's why you have to be so careful.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50SNARLING
0:34:50 > 0:34:53'Hugo is stressed and frightened.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57'Mike needs to sedate him before he can be put finally to sleep.'
0:35:03 > 0:35:08The dog gets really upset because, you know, he's a bit stressed.
0:35:08 > 0:35:13You can't pat him cos he'd bite you. That's the worst of it.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15And it's not his fault.
0:35:18 > 0:35:23What a waste of a beautiful dog, a real sad waste.
0:35:32 > 0:35:37Finally on today's programme, we rejoin the dangerous dog patrols.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40Two pit bulls, Tequila and Kizzy, were seized,
0:35:40 > 0:35:44and their owners were left with an important decision -
0:35:44 > 0:35:48whether they would apply to the courts for a licence
0:35:48 > 0:35:51which would allow them to keep their pets.
0:35:51 > 0:35:56We'll catch up with them, but first, there's another call to investigate.
0:36:02 > 0:36:09'On the streets of London, the BARC patrol are responding to another canine complaint.
0:36:09 > 0:36:14'It's reported that two potentially dangerous dogs have attacked a cat
0:36:14 > 0:36:17'and are out of control.
0:36:17 > 0:36:23'The police are spotted and the dogs tethered by their young owners.'
0:36:23 > 0:36:27They've just put them on the lead cos we turned up.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31- Could you bring them in? - Bring in Xena and Angel.
0:36:32 > 0:36:38'It's clear that Xena and Angel are two Staffordshire bull terriers,
0:36:38 > 0:36:43'a breed not on the dangerous dogs list.
0:36:43 > 0:36:48'But this is of little comfort to the local residents,
0:36:48 > 0:36:52'who've become frightened of these often intimidating dogs.'
0:36:52 > 0:36:54We've had complaints from residents
0:36:54 > 0:36:58that the lads are out with the dogs off leads.
0:36:58 > 0:37:03One of them had a fight with a cat, and it caused problems.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07I've just pulled up and they're outside with them off the leads.
0:37:07 > 0:37:13They saw us and they put them on. They know they should be on leads.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16- All these dogs belong to you?- Yeah.
0:37:16 > 0:37:22'It's not just the local cat they've been picking fights with.'
0:37:22 > 0:37:27What's happened here with the dog? Is that from the cat?
0:37:27 > 0:37:31No. He was having a fight with the dog next door.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34'Lack of control is allowing these animals
0:37:34 > 0:37:38'to attack other dogs and frighten residents.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41'Inspector Jan Eachus has heard enough.'
0:37:41 > 0:37:45You're coming dangerously close.
0:37:45 > 0:37:51You need to really control the dogs or you're not going to have them.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53Right. Do you hear that? >
0:37:54 > 0:37:57'Sgt Roger Mitham is concerned
0:37:57 > 0:38:00'that these dogs are too much for the young boys.'
0:38:00 > 0:38:03Anybody under 16 doesn't take them out.
0:38:03 > 0:38:08If your other son's over 16, he can take them out.
0:38:08 > 0:38:13There are offences of a dog being dangerously out of control,
0:38:13 > 0:38:17if it frightens somebody, you run the risk of being prosecuted.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22'The lads do love their dogs.
0:38:22 > 0:38:27'Sadly, that love hasn't extended to cleaning up their kennels.'
0:38:27 > 0:38:32- Would you want to get into your bed when there's poo next to it?- No.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35Animals shouldn't be expected to.
0:38:38 > 0:38:43'The boys are left to clean up and think about the lesson
0:38:43 > 0:38:46'in responsible dog ownership.
0:38:47 > 0:38:51'Hopefully, Xena and Angel will be under control,
0:38:51 > 0:38:55'leaving this estate to breathe a sigh of relief.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05'At the high security kennels at a secret location,
0:39:05 > 0:39:08'there's been a sad development.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12'Tequila has been waiting to go home for almost two months.
0:39:12 > 0:39:17'Identified as a pit bull, she was seized from her angry owner,
0:39:17 > 0:39:20'desperate to keep his beloved pet.'
0:39:20 > 0:39:22No, man. Don't take my dog...
0:39:24 > 0:39:28'To be reunited, all he had to do was prove to a court
0:39:28 > 0:39:32'he was a responsible dog owner, and get her registered.'
0:39:32 > 0:39:34Good girl. Hello.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38'A process that begins with some simple forms.'
0:39:38 > 0:39:44All the paperwork has to be completed within eight weeks.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48We're well into that eight weeks and it hasn't been completed,
0:39:48 > 0:39:53which makes the time frame that we've got left quite small.
0:39:53 > 0:39:58It doesn't look like Tequila will be going home, unfortunately.
0:39:58 > 0:40:03'For Tina and her team, this is a constant source of frustration.'
0:40:03 > 0:40:07Everyone who's been looking after her has got attached to her.
0:40:07 > 0:40:12She's a lovely dog. When she is put to sleep it will be devastating.
0:40:12 > 0:40:18She's happy. She's got used to everybody that handles her.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21It will be devastating, however,
0:40:21 > 0:40:26it is down to the owner that she's being put to sleep.
0:40:26 > 0:40:31'Owning an animal on the dangerous dogs list
0:40:31 > 0:40:35'is a huge responsibility that requires hard work, maturity
0:40:35 > 0:40:40'and a real awareness of what these dogs are capable of.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47'The BARC unit are returning to where Kizzy,
0:40:47 > 0:40:52'a two-year-old pit bull cross, was seized six weeks earlier.'
0:40:52 > 0:40:56- DOG BARKS - Hello, Jackie. It's the police.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58'Kizzy is back home.'
0:40:58 > 0:41:03Do you want to keep her back? Don't let her out in the corridor.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06'Her owner was prepared to do what was required
0:41:06 > 0:41:09'to have her dog returned.'
0:41:09 > 0:41:12- She's been OK since she got back? - Good, yeah.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16- How's her temperament? - Temperament's good as gold.
0:41:16 > 0:41:22I went round a friend's. She's got three dogs. Good as gold with them.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26'Kizzy's been added to an electronic register,
0:41:26 > 0:41:31'bears an ID tattoo and must wear a muzzle whenever in public.'
0:41:31 > 0:41:34She's getting used to the muzzle.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38Obviously, this owner has had a lot of patience with the dog.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42She's done a really good job. I'm really pleased.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44She's a real character.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47- Aren't you? - BARKS
0:41:47 > 0:41:51'Kizzy is proof that, with the right owner,
0:41:51 > 0:41:56'"dangerous dogs" can live happy and harmless lives.'
0:41:56 > 0:41:59She is a good example of a responsible owner.
0:41:59 > 0:42:04Through her actions, the dog is safe and secure when it's out with her.
0:42:04 > 0:42:09She is in control of it. There's no risk of anybody being bitten.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12We're trying to prevent a crime.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16As far as we're concerned, that's the job done.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23'Next time, on Animal 24:7...'
0:42:23 > 0:42:25We're calling the police.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29'Rescue for the skinny dog in a high-rise prison.'
0:42:29 > 0:42:35The dog's collapsed on the balcony. It's a bag of bones.
0:42:36 > 0:42:41'Horses for courses! A tough handicap for these golfers.'
0:42:41 > 0:42:46The owners aren't used to handling them. They can't get near them.
0:42:46 > 0:42:51'And I join the search for a whale in the city centre.'
0:42:51 > 0:42:56The rescue team has been scouring the surface of the Clyde without...
0:42:56 > 0:42:58There it is!
0:43:22 > 0:43:26Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd