A CRACKDOWN on reducing the numbers of unchecked dangerous dogs is using neighbourhood intelligence.

Police in East Lancashire have been working with DEFRA to encourage residents to alert forces if they suspect a neighbour is illegally keeping, breeding or attempting to sell a banned breed.

It is part of a growing national effort to counter the issue in the wake of a spate of high profile attacks around the country.

In the past 18 months seven dogs have been seized from properties across the region, including two in Blackburn.

They are taken to kennels where they are checked to see if they are listed on the Index of Exempt Dogs and assessed.

Dangerous dogs, such as Pit Bulls, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos and Fila Brazilieros can only be kept if listed on the index.

They must be neutered, tattooed, muzzled, kept on a lead and housed in a secure place. Owners must also take out insurance in case of injury to other people.

PC Leo Noctor from Mill Hill, Galligreaves and Griffin, headed a recent search after a tip-off from a resident that a man had bought a pitbull in the Mill Hill area of the town.

Although no dog was found, he said the operation was important in highlighting the consequences of having a dangerous dog to the public.