Irresponsible dog owners will be thrown out of their council homes, Wandsworth borough leader Edward Lister says.

Councilor Lister said the council would use its landlord powers to stop housing estate residents keeping fighting dogs uncontrolled in their homes.

He said the tough rules would extend to dogs found in the homes, even if they were owned by visitors or family members rather than the tenant.

Coun Lister said the rules would be used to protect neighbours and residents from intimidating behaviour.

He said the council was also pushing for wider powers to control dangerous animals, including bringing back the dog licence for breeds including Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliera and currently unregulated breeds that cause the most problems -Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Mastiffs, Douge De Bordeaux and Rotweillers.

"The problem is that just about anyone can own a dog," Coun Lister said.

"Most of the problems we have today are caused by young people aged between 13 and 17 who keep these menacing dogs yet have no understanding of the responsibilities of ownership.

"Any new licensing scheme would have to be properly funded - that's why it's important to set the fee at a realistic rate.

"Given the money that people are prepared to spend on these dogs I really don't see why we should not be looking at a licence fee of around £500.

"A borough like Wandsworth with a dedicated dog control unit and a 24-hour hot line for worried residents would be a perfect place to trial a new scheme."

Anyone with concerns about the way a dog is being treated can phone the council's 24-hour help line anonymously on 020 8871 7532.