Dangerous dogs are clearly out of control.

We have had dogs attacking dogs, destroying trees, mauling children, and now the tragic story of 66-year-old Michael Harrington, for whom the shock of seeing his docile pet attacked was just too much (Man dies after pet is mauled by bull terrier', Times Series, June 19).

Something clearly needs to be done, but unbelievably Barnet Council is still refusing to impose dog control zones in parks.

A control zone gives council officers many more powers to stop dangerous dog owners. Andrew Dismore has repeatedly called on Barnet to impose such a zone, but typically the council would rather ignore a problem than admit that using powers the Government has given it is a good idea.

Last time I wrote to the Times Series on this issue, I asked whether it would take somebody dying for the council to take action - it would seem even that is not enough for the callous crew we have leading the council.

Elizabeth Fitzgerald
West Hendon