The nation was shocked recently when four-year-old Lexi Branson was mauled by her family dog.

More than 200,000 reported dog bites in the UK cost the NHS over £3million a year, and there have been 17 dog-related deaths since 2005.

Local police sources confirmed that in the past 12 months there have been two reported incidents within the Harlow area.

These incidents have raised questions of safety concerning dogs in a family home.

A local mother spoke of how parents are beginning to feel hostile towards a much-loved pet: “I hate dogs! I would never let one near my children.

“They can’t be trusted and I do think that it’s the owners fault. If they neglect the dog then that is what’s going to happen.”

However, not all locals feel the same. A schoolboy and Staffordshire Bull Terrier owner claims that he is not afraid of dogs.

“It is not the dog’s fault, it’s the owners and how they’ve been treated.

“Staffys get the blame, but they’re not horrible dogs if you treat them right.”

When we spoke to Mutts In Distress owner Pat Clarke, she spoke about how she feels rehomed dogs should be treated.

“We conduct home checks for all prospective families,” she said.

“We also test dogs and see how they react. Animals have a brain of their own, meaning unpredictable behaviour.”

Mutts In Distress have strict rehoming guidelines and stress that obviously aggressive dogs are not rehomed but are put down.

Earlier in the year 14 year-old Brandon Elston was in hospital with a 5cm flesh wound after being attacked by a labrador.

MP Robert Halfon is calling for tougher sentencing for those whose dogs are out of control. Mr Halfon explained: “Kennels should be partially blamed for dog attacks.

“Owners get the blame which is often fair but kennels shouldn’t be releasing dangerous dogs.”
For information visit: www.mutts-in-distress.org.uk.