POLICE launched an appeal this week to find the owner of a dog who attacked two border terriers in Pole Hill Park, Hillingdon.

A 37-year-old woman was walking her dogs on Friday March 23, at around 6.30pm when a brindle ‘Staffs Terrier -type dog’ ran across the park and attacked her pets.

The woman shouted at the dog but both her pets were bitten on the sides of their bodies and required veterinary treatment. Richard Moore, manager of Dogs Trust, Harefield, said: “We are seeing an increase in the number of status dogs and, obviously, the more there are of a breed, the more incidents we will see, especially as people use them as part of their image.”

He added: “You can’t tar all the dogs in one breed with the same brush, though. It is a lack of socialisation that makes dogs behave badly when introduced to other dogs.”

He said Staffs Terriers can be fantastically social dogs and that the problem really only arises when they are kept in isolation from other dogs.

Police are looking for a 5ft 8in man of medium build, approximately 35-40, with short dark hair and of Mediterranean appearance.

It is an offence to allow any dog to become out of control in a public place. The fine can be as high as £1,000 and offenders could face prison.

PS Imran Abuzar of Hillingdon East Safer Neighbourhood team who is investigating, said: "These incidents are rare on our ward. We are keen to speak to any member of the public who might have witnessed this incident or has further information.”

Call 020 8721 2553 with information or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you’re worried your dog may become out of hand, call the Association of Pet Dog Trainers on 01285 810811 for advice.