In a consultation launched this week the government is proposing laws to enable councils and the police to force owners of dangerous dogs to muzzle them or get them neutered.
The proposals would also compel all dog owners to take out insurance against their pet attacking someone.
A key factor in the proposals has been an increase in police and RSPCA reports of young gang members using dogs to intimidate and harass people.
The consultation document says: "The term ‘status dog' describes the ownership of certain types of dogs which are used by individuals to intimidate and harass members of the public.
"These dogs are traditionally, but not exclusively, associated with young people on inner city estates and those involved in criminal activity."
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