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Campaigner Meg Howarth in Paradise Park, where trees have been attacked |
Trees in danger as fighting dogs strengthen jaws
FEROCIOUS fighting dogs are a growing scourge in Islington, threatening lives and destroying trees, campaigners warned this week.
Damage to trees has been caused by owners encouraging dogs to “exercise” their jaws by biting and chewing bark as well as hanging onto branches.
The RSPCA has warned that it is only a matter of time before animals injure or kill a child.
Trees have been damaged on the Andover estate in Finsbury Park, where police are offering financial rewards for information about attacks on trees, and Paradise Park, in Holloway.
Damaging a tree for whatever reason is illegal and culprits face a heavy fine or imprisonment.
A top-level meeting on the tree issue was organised by campaigner Meg Howarth at Islington town hall. Chaired by Islington Mayor Councillor Anna Berent, the meeting, Bark to Bark, was warned that some of our finest trees are in danger.
Ms Howarth said: “Many of our most wonderful trees, including mature and distinctive street trees which have survived years of polluted city life, are now under threat.”
In Paradise Park dozens of trees have had their bark stripped and face decay and eventual death.
“Dogs have become the new weapon of choice for some people,” she said.
“But we’re not just talking about the young. I’ve heard reports that dog fighting involves people of all ages. Paradise Park is just one example. In nearby Laycock Street there are more examples of trees which appear to have been badly damaged by dogs.”
Lib Dem environment chief Councillor Greg Foxsmith said that Islington’s tree officers would be co-ordinating research into the problem on behalf of all London boroughs.
“We need to examine the different measures for protecting trees,” he added.
“Protective coverings may help and some boroughs use notices warning people not to allow their animals to attack trees.
“At the end of the day we need education. People don’t always realise that stripping bark kills the trees and that it doesn’t grow back.
“We are also asking parks police to be proactive in protecting trees. Damaging a tree is a criminal offence and you can be fined or go to prison.”
The meeting heard that tree damage was widespread throughout London but dogs were not the only problem. Knives, cars and general vandalism were also implicated in the damage. |
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