A PACK of vicious dogs are being prepared for fighting by owners who first set them loose on trees in an East Barnet park.

Police said the “irresponsible” people are goading their pets into attacking and destroying trunks in Oak Hill Park.

The illegal actions have caused more than £10,000 worth of damage to the trees in the park after dogs ripped off bark and killed a number of established varieties.

Environmental experts from Barnet Council said the worst damage has been caused to two mature silver maple trees. Six Indian Bean trees, planted two years ago, have also been damaged.

Safer Neighbourhoods Team officers in East Barnet are stepping up patrols around the park in a bid to deter the “intimidating” and “unpleasant” behaviour.

PC Sheila Turney, who is leading the police response, said this type of activity not only causes damage to trees, but also to the dogs.

She said: “If dogs ingest bark, it can be poisonous and biting these trees can damage their teeth and give them gingivitis [inflammation of the gums].

“Apart from that, this type of anti-social behaviour is intimidating for other park users and leaves the park looking unpleasant.

“If we see anyone urging their dogs to attack trees during our patrols, we will arrest them and look to bring them to justice for the criminal damage they are causing.”

Last year, dog owners were seen hanging dogs from branches by their teeth in Hendon Park. The “training” is designed to make them more aggressive, sharpen their teeth and build up their neck muscles to give them a more dangerous appearance.

At the time, the RSPCA said the phenomenon was quite common in London parks, adding it was a “great worry” that people were encouraging their dogs to fight with other dogs, the motivation for the tree attacks.

The situation in the Hendon Park was resolved with metal grilles being placed around some of the trees, and similar protective measures have been installed in Oak Hill Park around all 20 trees in the avenue.

Councillor Andrew Harper, cabinet member for environment and transport, said the council is making “significant efforts” to keep the parks safe.

He said: “I’m dismayed that we’re experiencing this totally unacceptable behaviour again in our borough.

“Through excellent partnership working with the police and the RSPCA, we were able to put a stop to it in Hendon and I hope that we will see a similar solution in Oak Hill Park.

“This type of activity destroys trees and especially when they are mature, it will take years for them to grow back. And of course, it frightens users of our parks.”

Police arrested a 22-year-old man on July 14 on suspicion of causing criminal damage and animal cruelty. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.