TWO people are attacked by dogs every month, yet there are few prosecutions, new figures show.

Last year, from January to November, there were 22 reports of dog attacks against people in Waltham Forest, yet just four prosecutions for offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Following a large number of vicious dog attacks on people and other animals reported to the Guardian, we obtained data from the Metropolitan Police using the Freedom of Information Act which show the scale of the problem.

The number of attacks have risen since 2004, when there were 18 reported dog attacks and six prosecutions.

In the subsequent years the number of attacks on people rose to as many as 33 in 2006, when there were just three prosecutions.

The figures are cause for concern for victims of dog attacks, such as the schoolgirl who was bitten while playing in a Highams Park last year, and the many dog and cat owners whose pets were mauled by out of control dogs, like the cat which was killed by a dog in Coolgardie Avenue, Highams Park, and the poodle-cross which had to be operated on after being caught in the jaws of a pit-bull-type in Chingford.

Last December, Waltham Forest Council said it was going to crack-down on owners of out of control dogs by launching a scheme called BARK (Borough Action for Responsible K9s). The aim of the project is to tackle all aspects of responsible dog ownership, including dog fouling, dangerous dogs and anti-social behaviour with 'status symbol' dogs. It will involve the council, police, RSPCA and social landlords attempting to “educate owners” and patrolling areas where dog attacks have been reported.

However, this scheme has not yet got off the ground, and the council now says that it will not be launched until next month.

A council spokesman said that the scheme has been put back because, "a spring launch was considered more appropriate, given the lighter evenings and warmer weather when more people are likely to be out walking their dogs."

Waltham Forest’s cabinet member for community safety, enforcement and protection, Cllr Afzal Akram, said: “The BARK scheme is a great way for us to encourage sensible, responsible dog ownership as it draws together the skills and expertise of several different organisations and departments.

“It’s not just about cracking down on those few reckless dog owners whose behaviour can be dangerous or anti social, either, as it aims to improve animal welfare and encourage general public awareness about how best to look after your pets.”

This year so far in the borough, a youth has been reprimanded for having a dog dangerously out of control in public.

Results are pending for a prosecution against the owner of a 'designated fighting dog' without a licence.

Have you been the victim of a dog attack? Or have you had a pet attacked by an out of control dog? Call the newsdesk on 020 8498 3430.