Southwark Council is fitting cages to the bottom of trees in a Bermondsey church to protect them from allegedly having their bark stripped by dogs.
The reason that dogs may be biting the trees in St James’ churchyard is unconfirmed. But two local people with knowledge of the situation, who asked to remain anonymous, said that they thought the trees were being used to train dogs to take part in dog-fighting rings, which are illegal.
One of the people said local police officers had been investigating an alleged dog-fighting ring being run in a Bermondsey council estate.
A spokesperson for the council said they were unaware of allegations of dog-fighting, and police did not respond to a request for comment.
Dog-fighting is a cruel practice where dogs are trained to fight each other. Animal rights charity the Humane Society said that the dogs get “severe and often fatal” injuries in these fights.
The charity adds: “Typical dogfighting injuries include severe bruising, deep puncture wounds and broken bones. Dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion or infection hours or even days after the fight.”
Dog owners may use trees to train their dogs to fight by strengthening their jaws, resulting in the bark being stripped away and the structure of the tree being damaged.
The council said that it would be installing the protective cages on the St James’ churchyard trees in the next few weeks.
A council spokesperson said: “We are not aware of a dog fighting ring. However, we have received reports linking damage to trees in the Churchyard to dogs. We are working to fit cages around these trees, in order to prevent further damage.
“We ask that anyone who witnesses activity linking dogs to damaged tree stock, in this or any other open space, reports it to the police. It is cruel, unacceptable and may well be classed as criminal damage.”