Birmingham’s safety boss is calling for tougher penalties for reckless dog owners following a rise in the city’s stray dog population.

Councillor Neil Eustace, chair of the public protection committee at Birmingham City Council, wants fixed penalty notices for owners who repeatedly allow their dogs to stray, as well as new powers that could force dog owners to ensure that their garden fences are of sufficient strength to prevent the dog from escaping.

His request comes after dog wardens at the authority’s animal welfare team have reported a significant rise in the number of stray dogs being abandoned across the city, from 1,224 in 2007 to almost 2,016 in 2009.

The type of breed which is most commonly abandoned has also changed with high numbers of Rottweilers and Alsatians 10 years ago, while now more Staffordshire bull terriers are abandoned.

Of the 2,016 dogs collected last year, 43 per cent were crossbred or purebred Staffordshire bull terrier types.

Recent cases include an injured pit bull terrier who had been abandoned in a cement works, a dog trapped behind a garden shed and two dogs who invaded a garden patio, leaving a terrified resident trapped in their home.

Councillor Eustace, said: “The sheer number of strays in the city to which our dog wardens are being called out to is unprecedented. Public funds are being drained by selfish people who acquire these dogs as status symbols and have no intention of looking after them. There are a number of issues that are unacceptable here, firstly, people should not be acquiring dogs that they have no intention of looking after. Secondly, even if they are not being abandoned, owners should not allow their dogs to roam the streets; they can cause serious road traffic accidents, attack people and scare residents.”

He added residents should contact dog wardens if they are unable to cope who can provide a list of animal rescue organisations. Call 0121 303 9900 to contact the dog wardens.