DOGS are increasingly being used as weapons by youths, according to a new report - and Waltham Forest is a hotspot.

The RSPCA says two thirds of dog-fighting reports it receives are now directly connected to youths using their animals to as "weapons of intimidation."

The charity received 10 reports of impromptu dog-fighting in the borough in 2008, as well as three complaints of youths using their dogs to intimidate and two reports of organised dog fights.

The total is the second highest in London behind Lambeth

In total 188 people contacted the RSPCA to report impromptu dog fights last year, compared to just 24 calls five years ago.

The charity has also said that many "status" dogs, such as Rottweilers or bull terrier-types, are being abandoned by their owners when the novelty wears off.

Becky Kenny, RSPCA branch support advisor, said: "We have again appealed to the government to look closer at current dog legislation and put more emphasis of responsibility on the dog owners, rather than on the animals."

The latest report comes a year after the RSPCA said it believes there is an illegal dog-fighting ring in or around Leyton, following a series of cases in which mutilated or malnourished dogs were dumped in the area.

Superintendent Julia Pendry from the Met Police, said: "We are very concerned about the rise of dog fighting and dogs used in anti-social behaviour reported by the RSPCA.

"All dogs, especially certain breeds, need to be properly managed so they do not become aggressive.

"Owners have a responsibility to keep their dogs under control: the maximum penalty for allowing a dog you are in charge of to be dangerously out of control is two year's imprisonment, a fine, or both.

"Where we have information that a dog is a banned breed, police may seize it and as a result you could be subject to a large fine or even go to prison.

A BBC Three Documentary looking at the issue of impromptu dog-fighting, called My Weapon Is A Dog, will be screened tonight at 9pm.

The latest RSPCA report comes a year after the charity said it believes there is an illegal dog-fighting ring in or around Leyton, following a series of cases in which mutilated or malnourished dogs were dumped in the area.