The parks and streets of Lambeth have become the capital’s prime battleground for gangs using dogs for fighting and as weapons.
In the past two years the RSPCA has received more reports of “impromptu” dog-fighting in public spaces in Lambeth than in any other London borough.
In 2007 and 2008, the charity received 21 reports of “impromptu dog fighting” in Lambeth.
In the previous two years they received only three reports.
The RSPCA are backed by Lambeth police statistics, which show the number of people found in possession of illegal fighting dogs rocketed from eight in 2006, to 118 in 2008.
The animal charity said its shelters have treated dogs with stab wounds, broken bones and even cigarette burns to their heads.
It said two thirds of all dog fighting reports were now linked to young men using “status” fighting dogs, and that dogs were the weapon of choice among gang members because there is less of a risk of prosecution than being caught carrying a gun or knife.
The RSPCA is making a plea to owners to think about the suffering of dogs used for fighting, as well as the risk to the public.
A spokesman said when the dogs were badly injured in street fights they are increasingly being dumped and abandoned – as their owners seek to avoid expensive veterinary bills and being picked up by police for being linked to gangs.
The spokesman said: “Previously dog fighting was something organised, confined to the underground.
“But now what we are seeing is teenagers and young men linked to gang culture who use dogs as status symbols. As gangs clash the dogs are getting involved.
“As a result, reports of dog fighting are rising at an alarming rate.
“Not only is the public at risk from out-of-control dogs, but the torture some of these poor animals have suffered is simply horrific."
In recent months it has emerged dogs were trained for fighting on Streatham Green and Streatham Hill.
Police are fighting back, with the introduction of a new status dog unit to specifically target the problem, while the RSPCA, Lambeth police, and Lambeth housing manager Lambeth Living have been running regular dog chipping events.
A Lambeth police spokesman said: “Lambeth police have been aware of the increase of dogs on the borough who are banded under dangerous dogs legislation.
"They are working with the new status dogs unit to target the problem.”
Anyone with any information about dangerous dogs should contact their local safer neighbourhood team or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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