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Dangerous dogs amnesty launched Merseyside's dogs amnesty begins
(about 2 hours later)
Owners of dangerous dogs on Merseyside are being given a week to hand their animals over without being prosecuted. A week-long dangerous dogs amnesty is beginning on Merseyside, allowing owners to hand in their animals without being prosecuted.
Four types of animal are banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 - pit bull terriers, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brazileiro.Four types of animal are banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 - pit bull terriers, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brazileiro.
Anyone who wants to hand their animal in can do so between 0700 GMT on Wednesday and midnight next Tuesday. Animals can be handed in between 0700 GMT, and midnight next Tuesday.
The scheme is part of the force's crackdown on the criminal and anti-social use of dogs. The amnesty follows the death of five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson, mauled to death by a dog on New Year's Day.
It was stepped up after the death of five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson, who was mauled to death by a dog at her grandmother's house in St Helens on New Year's Day. Ellie was killed by her uncle's pit bull terrier at her grandmother's house in St Helens.
The one-year-old dog, called Rueben, was shot dead after the attack in which Ellie's grandmother was also hurt.The one-year-old dog, called Rueben, was shot dead after the attack in which Ellie's grandmother was also hurt.
Ellie Lawrenson was mauled to death on New Year's DayThe dog belonged to her uncle, 23-year-old Kiel Simpson, who was questioned over the attack but not arrested. Ellie Lawrenson was mauled to death on New Year's DayEllie's uncle, 23-year-old Kiel Simpson, was questioned over the attack but not arrested.
Merseyside Police have said it is up to dog owners to contact them to arrange for dogs to be collected from their homes.Merseyside Police have said it is up to dog owners to contact them to arrange for dogs to be collected from their homes.
Owners or keepers of illegal dogs who do not come forward could see their pets seized, and they could face a £5,000 fine and six months imprisonment.Owners or keepers of illegal dogs who do not come forward could see their pets seized, and they could face a £5,000 fine and six months imprisonment.
Officers have said the main problem on Merseyside is with pit-bull terrier types but all types of dog will be collected. Officers have said the main problem on Merseyside is with pit-bull terrier types, but all types of dog will be collected.
Chief Constable Bernard Hogan-Howe said: "We want you to hand in illegal dogs, including the pit bull and pit bull type.Chief Constable Bernard Hogan-Howe said: "We want you to hand in illegal dogs, including the pit bull and pit bull type.
"You may not agree with the hand-in but I am sure all parents will want to prioritise the safety of their children above the affection for their dogs.""You may not agree with the hand-in but I am sure all parents will want to prioritise the safety of their children above the affection for their dogs."