The issues around dangerous dogs and the failings of current legislation will be tackled this evening (June 28th) on the ITV Tonight programme.
At present, legislation means that the root problem of irresponsible ownership is not targeted and instead, many dogs end up being put down because dangerous breeds cannot be rehomed.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home will be taking part in the programme, insisting that irresponsible owners need to be held to account for abusing dogs.
One dog that will appear on this evening's programme is Jack, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Jack was found in a park covered in blood after having been used for fighting. After an assessment, the charity decided his temperament meant he could not be rehomed and had to be put down.
A statement from the charity said: "In 2011 we had to euthanise 29 per cent of the dogs coming through our gates because, like Jack, they were far too dangerous to be safely rehomed, or were identified by the police as a banned illegal breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act, or had serious medical problems."
It added that putting any healthy dog down is very tough and hopes the government will enforce new measures to stop irresponsible ownership and protect animal welfare.
