Jubilee Gardens: call for vigilance after trees 'damaged by dogs'

Damage to trees caused by dog owners training their animals for illegal fights has been a growing problem across the UK in recent years.

The Jubilee Gardens Trust has put protective material around the trunks of several trees after bark was stripped away, putting the trees at risk.

In a warning notice displayed in the park, the trust's general manager Alex Valenzuela said: "A number of trees in the gardens have had bark torn from them by dogs.

"Unfortunately the affected trees may die. It is therefore important that this criminal damage is stopped immediately.

"If you are a dog owner or in charge of a dog and are allowing or encouraging the dog to cause damage to the trees in this way please be advised that the Jubilee Gardens Trust will take legal action to prosecute anyone in whose care the dog is at the time of the offence."

"The Jubilee Gardens Trust asks all gardens visitors and neighbouring residents who see or hear anything of concern to please report it to the grounds maintenance staff on site or alternatively contact the Jubilee Gardens Trust on 020 7202 6900."

Earlier this year we reported on fears that dogs were being trained to fight in the Tibetan Peace Garden at Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park.

In its animal welfare charter, Lambeth Council says: "The council is working closely with the Metropolitan Police Service, safer neighbourhoods team and the police status dogs unit and will provide support to the investigation of incidents involving dangerous dogs used as 'status symbols'.

"The council will not tolerate anti social behaviour linked to dogs including ... illegal dog fighting [and] damage to public property including trees."