The orders mean pet owners can be fined for failing to remove dog faeces, not keeping a dog on a lead and allowing a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded.

BBC: Warwick councillors vote through dog control orders

Another neighbor, Ronda Wilbur, said Dykes beat her dog to death with a lead pipe and then bragged to her husband about it.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Owners may be forced to muzzle their dogs, keep them on a lead, or attend training in dog-control techniques.

BBC: Dog attack plans 'woefully inadequate' say MPs

But as the conventional agony aunts sometimes advise - just taking a walk in the park with your dog can lead to friendships being made.

BBC: News | UK | Lonely pets seek love on the net