I WELCOME the news that Dublin City Council has taken a drastic stand in an attempt to reduce attacks from dangerous dogs by banning 11 breeds, including rottweilers, bull terriers and German shepherds, from its houses, flats and estates.

Tenants are been given a chance to re-home their animals, but if alternative accommodation cannot be found the dogs will be destroyed.

People who live in private accommodation will also be affected by the ban if they own one of the 11 breeds, which may be banned from public parks.

In this country, under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dog Act 1991, there are four breeds which have been banned - pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo argentino and the fila brasileiro.

An alternative to the action taken by Dublin council which may be effective in this country could be to insist people who wish to own a patently dangerous dog go on a compulsory training course and obtain a certificate of competence.

I welcome any act which will reduce the number of attacks because one serious injury, or one death, is too many.

Keith Dewison, Billingham.