A COUNCILLOR is calling for tougher action against dangerous dogs and their owners after a series of attacks on Canvey .

Canvey Independent councillor Gail Barton says she has been inundated with complaints and letters of concern from residents whose pets have been attacked by vicious dogs in the area.

The attacking animals have been allowed to roam off their leads.

Mrs Barton is calling for Castle Point Council to employ a community dog warden to patrol hotspots on the island, such as Canvey Heights Country Park, Thorney Bay Beach and on the seafront near the Labworth Cafe, where attacks have been known to have taken place.

She is also requesting more signs to be put up in parks urging owners with unruly dogs to keep them on a lead or muzzled.

Mrs Barton said: “Not a day goes by when I am not alerted to a problem dog somewhere on Canvey. It is becoming such a big problem.

“I was contacted by one woman whose dog was attacked so many times it shakes every time it passes another dog. It is just not acceptable.

“Having seen the pictures and heard residents’ experiences, personally I am frightened to walk my dog in the park when it’s busy at the moment.

“Irresponsible dog owners need to be held accountable and I think it’s about time we got tougher.”

However, the council said employing a community warden and increasing signs was not a priority.

Trudie Bragg, head of environment, said: “The council has no plans to employ a community dog warden to deal with dangerous dogs.

“The council already has an arrangement in place for the collection and kennelling of stray dogs and council staff regularly visit our parks and open spaces, as well as patrolling our streets.

“If they were to observe an incident they would report it to the Police who have powers to deal with dangerous dogs. The council does not feel it necessary to erect signs at this time, in response to unfortunate, but thankfully isolated, incidents where dogs have not been kept under control.

“The council will, of course, keep the matter under review.”

The Echo recently reported how a pet owner broke his hand and lost several teeth after fighting off a dog who attacked his Sheltie puppy, Skye, in Western Esplanade.

Michael Hennassey, 71, was left in a bloodied mess and had to be rushed to hospital after wrestling with the dog to try and get his puppy free.

Neighbours Mary Burns, 68, and Jan Arney, 72, of Norton Avenue, Canvey, were also left distressed and injured after a pair of dogs attacked and killed Mrs Burns’s Siamese cat before turning and biting Mrs Arney earlier this month.