Tough enforcement of the banned breed dog policy has resulted in fewer dog attacks, according to Government.

Animal wardens have executed 45 warrants for illegally bred dogs across the Island this year.

Since January, the Animal Control Section has submitted 20 files to the Department of Public Prosecutions for charge.

The majority of the dogs seized were pit bulls, a spokeswoman for the Department of Environmental Protection said.

She added: “The vast majority of complaints that they receive from the public are complaints of illegally bred breeds of dogs that are causing issues in their neighbourhoods.

“The section has executed 45 warrants this year alone. All of the information for these warrants came from concerned members of the public that requested the law be enforced.

“A large number of illegal dogs have been seized this year and numerous people are being put before the courts.

“It is also important to note that due to the enforcement of the Banned Breed Dog Policy the Animal Control Section is starting to see a reduction of stray dogs, attacks and call-outs.”

Ten people have been brought before the court this year.

“The DPP declined to proceed on two of the 20 files presented for charge,” the spokeswoman added. “There are another six files being compiled by the wardens to be submitted to the DPP for consideration for charge approval.

“The wardens also have seven sworn warrants that need to be executed and a number more that need to be sworn.

“Some warrants result in a seizure but no court activity as clear ownership cannot be proven.”

If members of the public have concerns about an illegally bred dog, they can contact the animal wardens on 239-2327.