A unique initiative to tackle the irresponsible use of dogs - called BARK (Brent Action for Responsible K9's) - was launched in Brent on Sunday, 16 September.
BARK's multi agency partnership is the first of its kind in London and has been set up to promote responsible dog ownership and take action on criminal activity and welfare issues concerning dogs in the borough. The group is made up of the RSPCA, Metropolitan Police Service, The Mayhew Animal Home, Brent Council and Brent Housing Partnership (BHP).
Representatives from each of the organisations were on hand to speak directly to the public and to officially launch the BARK initiative at the Fryent Countryside Day in Kingsbury on Sunday, 16th September.
They gave out about 40 goodie bags for dog owners, spoke with people about dog responsible ownership, handed out flyers on BARK, micro-chipped dogs, handed out dog tags along with free neutering vouchers for some breeds.
BARK was formed following the increased collaboration between the partners on dog-related incidents in the local area over the past year.
Councillor Irwin Van Colle, Brent Council's Lead Member for Environment, Planning and Culture, said: "The tragic death of Ellie Lawrenson has made the nation review how to deal with potentially dangerous dogs. I welcome the setting up of BARK in Brent, which will promote responsible dog ownership to educate and protect our residents. "
The partnership aims to educate the community on dog welfare and responsible pet ownership, reduce the incidents where dogs are misused and investigate anti-social behaviour linked with the misuse of dogs.
This is already being done through a combination of each party sharing information along with using reassurance, prevention and enforcement.
BARK partners work with the police to enforce the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which put restrictions on four types of dog -including the banned pit bull terrier type. They will not tolerate the misuse of dogs and will make full use of the legislation where appropriate and in certain cases a court order maybe sought.