FURTHER to the letter from Colin Jones, “Irresponsible dog owners” (February 27), with regard to the tragic loss of his pet dog following an attack by another dog, I wish to advise readers that there is a procedure in place that can be followed in these circumstances.

We have available a leaflet that we would be happy to send on receipt of a self addressed envelope.

Basically, going back as far as 1992, there is an agreement in place with the police that in the case of an unprovoked attack by an owned dog on another animal, resulting in the need for veterinary treatment, the police will accompany the victim’s owner to identify the animal.

That dog can then be entered in the Dog Bite Register, so that if there is any recurrence of this unsociable behaviour, further action can be taken against the owner and possibly a control order put on their dog, ie muzzling and the dog to be kept on a lead.

Veterinary reports, bills and photographic evidence can also be used to take the owner to the small claims court to recoup any veterinary costs incurred.

Katherine M Kay, Branch administrator, Bolton RSPCA