New research has revealed that more than 1,000 dogs from across the capital and deemed to be dangerous, were seized by the Met last year.

According to data released on today by Direct Line Pet Insurance, a total of 33 dogs from Barking and Dagenham were seized for either behaving dangerously in public or for being a specific banned breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

More than a quarter of the total number of seizures fell into the latter category which includes pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, fila brasiliero and dogo argentino.

But overall figures are going down.

“Organisations such as the police, animal charities and councils are doing a great job in taking dangerous dogs off our streets,” said Prit Powar, head of pet insurance at Direct Line.

“The drop in seizures of illegal dog breeds over the last year is testament to the rigorous work being done across the country to protect owners and pets alike.”