A FEW hundred years ago, anyone going for a walk in a forest or woodland in Europe ran a genuine risk of being attacked by wild animals.

Wild boar and even bears could seriously damage your health if you were unarmed and could not protect yourself.

Now, although it is a shame that such animals have been largely driven to extinction by man's encroachment, people walking in remote areas are no longer in real danger from anything more threatening than insect bites unless they accidentally step on a snake.

But parks in many of our towns and cities contain another hazard which represents true danger to children and adults - savage and aggressive dogs.

Humans have bred these animals to fight and the Dangerous Dogs Act had to be introduced in 1991 because of worries about certain breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier.

The Act gives police and council officers powers to seize dangerous dogs and fine or even jail their owners.

Following two recent horrific East Lancashire maulings of youngsters today we hear how Terry O'Toole almost lost a hand trying to save his own dog which was being ferociously attacked.

Action to rid us of such man-made fighting machines must be stepped up or it will only be a matter of time before an innocent child or even adult dies.