MPS response to dangerous dogs – update report

Report: 11
Date: 8 June 2009
By: T/AC Territorial Operations on behalf of the Commissioner

Summary

This is an update to the report submitted to the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee on 8 January 2009. On 2 March 2009 the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) launched its new Status Dogs Unit (SDU) as part of the Dog Support Unit (DSU) within Central Operations (CO). The unit consists of one police sergeant, five constables and one member of police staff providing administrative support. The officers are accredited experts known as Dog Legislation Officers (DLO). These officers are dedicated to this role as opposed to the previous system where MPS DSU officers carried out these duties in addition to the handling of police dogs. This report gives an outline of how the new unit is working and its benefits to the MPS and the public.

A. Recommendation

That members note the action being taken by the MPS.

B. Supporting information

1. 2008/2009 year end figures:

• 719 dogs seized by the MPS
• Kennelling spend £1.342m (incl. all veterinary and transport costs)
• 584 pre-planned operations regarding dogs on premises undertaken by the MPS DSU
• 1891 spontaneous calls regarding dogs responded to by the MPS DSU

The scope of the problem is increasing and will continue to do so until a number of initiatives begin to take effect.

2. SDU impact

Between 2 March – 28 April 2009:

• 111 examinations of dogs
• 82 new dog seizures
• 128 dogs out of kennels
• 62 examinations taken place at welfare organisations
• Attended the execution of 25 warrants

On 2 March the MPS were kennelling 302 dogs. Due to the new working practises this number has reduced to 251 despite the increasing numbers being seized.

3. SDU good practice

• Few seized dogs are now allocated for examination to DSU DLO dog handlers resulting in better availability for their core role (handing MPS police dogs) and front line duties. 90% of all dogs seized by the MPS are dealt with by SDU officers.
• The average number of days that dogs are kennelled by the MPS is reducing. The first year aim of the SDU is to reduce the average number of kennelling days by 10%; this will make a significant financial saving.
• There has been an increased use of a new policy where there is no prosecution and under certain strict conditions responsible owners can keep their dogs at home until the matter is heard at Court. This process requires that an adult owner undertakes and abides by all the conditions imposed by the Dangerous Dogs Act and is based upon a stringent risk assessment undertaken by the MPS. The SDU aim to use the ‘dogs at home’ policy in 10% of cases year one.
• SDU officers have been allocated geographical responsibilities to identify themselves as single points of contact for MPS boroughs, the priority being Tier 1 Operation Blunt boroughs where the most significant issues are present.
• The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has created the post - London Dangerous Dogs Project Officer. That officer works closely with SDU officers resulting in more effective working relationships and outcomes.

4. SDU significant events/results since 2 March 2009

• Anti social behaviour and dog fighting in public parks in Ealing. Identified gang members involved, filmed themselves using gang identification while fighting dogs. Gang member arrested for breaking puppies legs led to seizure of two Pit bull type dogs which in turn led to the arrest of two further gang members and recovery of ½ kilo of heroin.
• Presentation to MPS Crime and Intelligence Managers regarding access to and services offered by the SDU.
• Meeting regarding linking SDU to tier one Borough’s in support of Operation Blunt initiatives and tackling gang related violence where dogs are used as weapons. Intervention tactics discussed.
• Working with RSPCA Special Operations Unit and provincial police force undertook operations at three London addresses (tier one boroughs) where dog fighting and welfare issues were identified. Pit bull type dog seized with offensive weapons and controlled drugs.
• Three behavioural examinations undertaken by SDU officer for Court process saving MPS in region of £6,000 expert witness fees.

5. SDU priorities for the next three to six months

• The London Dangerous Dog Forum (LDDF) brings together the Greater London Authority (GLA), local authorities, police and welfare organisations in a bid to address the underlying issues backed up with enforcement by SDU officers. Various strands such as education, welfare, public affairs, responsible ownership, joint initiatives and legal processes are being progressed.
• SDU partnership work – through borough contacts – initially tier one, encouragement of partnership projects encouraging responsible dog ownership such as BARK (borough action for responsible canines) and ‘People with dogs project’, working together with Battersea Dogs and Cats home, the RSPCA and local authorities. There are presently five ‘BARK’ projects in London and three more are in the initial planning stages. The SDU are involved in all.
• SDU officers will host a national ‘Dog Legislation Seminar’ for provincial police forces. This leads to individual officers becoming experts in this area and is supported by Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). It also presents a significant opportunity to generate income for the MPS.
• SDU officers will staff the larger public order events throughout the summer in London. Senior MPS officers are aware of the significant threat posed by dogs, particularly those prohibited by law in confined spaces where many people gather. Examples include the Notting Hill Carnival, Lovebox, Peckham Rye and Brockwell fairs.
• Presentation to the South West London Region Magistrates Circuit meeting. SDU officer to give presentation regarding overall issue particularly in relation to Court processes and suggestions around time saving initiatives. In particular the HM Court Service’s current practice of charging police for making applications under the Dangerous Dogs Act will be raised for discussion again. This issue is of considerable concern to the MPS as there is no budget available to pay this and could cost £25000 this year.
• The MPS has met with the deputy Mayor for London, Kit Malthouse, to discuss the challenges it and other enforcement agencies face concerning dangerous and status dogs. Mr Malthouse indicated he would be keen to sponsor a partnership event (GLA, MPS, RSPCA and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home) with the tier one boroughs to discuss these issues and ensure action is taken where needed. A proposal is currently being drafted for the deputy mayor and it is hoped such an event can take place by the autumn this year. SDU officers will represent the MPS at such an event.

C. Race and equality impact

There are no equality or diversity implications identified at this time.

D. Financial implications

The six new posts within Central Operations have been created. The potential change from constable to Band E police staff post in future years would generate approximately £24k savings per officer. This potential change should not be undertaken whilst the SDU is in its infancy.

2. The current kennelling cost to the MPS is between £13.70 and £22.00 per dog, per day. There is already evidence that the implementation of the SDU has resulted in savings in respect of opportunity costs (officers returned to core duties), better management of resources resulting in fewer kennelling days/costs, more speedy results being obtained at Courts and use of the ‘dogs at home’ policy are all steps in the right direction. A 10% reduction in the number of kennelling days, based on current demand, would result in a cost saving of around £132k. However as the demand for Kennelling is forecast to increase, no financial savings are being offered up at this stage.

3. The kennelling budget remains the responsibility of MPS HR Logistical Services. A further report regarding this issue is being submitted however it does outline that the numbers of seizures is likely to increase over the short term, and any additional pressures will be considered as part of the 2010-13 budget and business planning process.

E. Background papers

None

F. Contact details

Report author: Trevor Hughes, Territorial Operations, MPS

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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