I FIND it abhorrent that we are yet again faced with the serious failings of the police, especially in the case of John-Paul Massey, the four-year-old victim of a dangerous dog that has been outlawed in this country since the Dangerous Dogs Act was passed on the 25th July 1991!

Surprisingly, some 18 years later, it is sad to see that the law has not worked.

Merseyside police, despite being informed by concerned neighbours in February, did not follow through on their pledge and chose to ignore the reports relating to dangerous dogs being bred at the address where John-Paul was later mauled!

The police failed to enforce the unlawful breeding of this type of dog to the detriment of another young life.

When will the police stop apologising to distraught parents and start the process which the law has laid down for them?

We must remember that apologies are always offered post trauma and are, therefore, way too late for the innocent victim.

I trust that anyone with a dog similar to this breed who has a child will consider that these dogs can be unpredictable and should not always be trusted.

For those who don’t recognise this, go and buy a fluffy rabbit!

P J Aherne Bolton