Evening all – this seems encouraging news, even if not local to Kings Cross.  Does anyone know of any dangerous dog problems in the KX area?  Drop us a line, anonymously news@kingscrossenvironment.com

Is it just me or is it refreshing to see a police operation with a code name that makes sense?  'Operation Bark'

Police email begins:

'News from Islington Police – Man Arrested for Possession of Dangerous Dogs and Dogs Seized

Islington Police have arrested a man for possessing two fighting dogs as part of a new initiative launched today, 8th July 2009.
'Operation Bark' aims to combat the growing number of dangerous dogs in Islington; to tackle anti-social behaviour related to the misuse of dogs and to reduce the mistreatment of dogs by promoting responsible dog ownership.
The Islington initiative is being led by Sgt. Dean Akinola from Hillrise Safer Neighbourhoods team in response to concern from the local community . Supported by the RSPCA and Islington Council's Park Guard, officers will pro-actively search premises where they believe dangerous dogs are being kept as well as promoting responsible dog ownership.
Bark activity took place for the first time today when officers from Highbury West Safer Neighbourhoods team, the Islington Borough Support Unit and the Status Dogs Unit – a specialist MPS Unit which deals with dogs used in crime, raided a property in the Stephens Ink Estate, N5. Two dogs believed to be American pit bull terriers were seized and a 20 year old male was arrested for possession of two fighting dogs and taken to Islington police station for questioning. He has since been bailed pending further investigation.
On 3rd July 2009, Islington Police, supported by the Status Dogs Unit, searched an address in Biggerstaff Street, N4, and recovered three dangerous dogs – one of which had attacked another dog in the street a few weeks earlier. The dogs were immediately seized by specialist officers and subsequently destroyed.
Sgt Dean Akinola leads Operation Bark in Islington:
"Operation Bark has been set up in response to concern from the Islington community about dangerous dogs . We are specifically targeting those individuals who use dangerous dogs as weapons or for protection when dealing drugs, as well as the breeders of dangerous dogs."
Advice to members of the public
All dogs, especially certain breeds, need to be properly managed so they do not become aggressive. Owners have a responsibility to keep t heir dogs under control. The maximum penalty for allowing a dog you are in charge of to be dangerously out of control is two year’s imprisonment, a fine, or both.
We actively encourage members of the public to get in touch with us. If you have any concerns about dangerous dogs or anti-social behaviour related to dogs they should contact their local Safer Neighbourhoods team via http://www.met.police.uk/islington.'