A FURIOUS dad whose young son still lives in terror nearly a year after a dog attack has blasted alleged police inaction over such incidents.

He spoke out as figures obtained exclusively by the Keighley News reveal there have been 14 reported dog attacks across the town in the past two years, but not one conviction.

Restaurateur Mastab Ali said his son Adil, now 10, was still too scared to go into Keighley's Lund Park where he was chased and bitten by a dog last year.

The Holycroft Primary School pupil needed treatment at Airedale Hospital.

"We live just across the road from the park but he refuses to go in there," said Mr Ali, 40.

"After the incident we heard nothing more from the police.

"I feel angry and sad that these crimes are taking place but that nothing seems to be done.

"You just lose hope and wonder if it is worth reporting incidents."

Community campaigner Fulzar Ali said he didn't feel that dog attacks were taken seriously by the police.

"There needs to be a review of the situation to ensure that if a complaint is made it is thoroughly and properly investigated and that action is taken against the person responsible," he said.

Lisa Reynoldson, whose two young grandchildren were left dripping with blood after being attacked by a Japanese Akita at Cullingworth last year, adds her voice to the calls for more action.

"Physically the girls are OK now but they are still petrified by some dogs," she said.

"It has affected them badly."

Molly Watt, now five, and six-year-old Evie Rockcliffe had been playing at the home of a friend when they were set upon.

The nurse who treated them claimed Evie was "lucky to be alive".

Miss Reynoldson added: "Most dog owners are responsible people but I can't understand how some can allow their animals to do this sort of thing."

The police figures, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, show there were seven reported attacks last year – on a par with 2013.

The figures relate to the six Bradford Council wards within the Keighley News catchment area.

Last year three attacks took place in Keighley Central, and two each in Bingley Rural and Keighley West.

Police say that although there have no convictions, action has been taken.

Sgt Chris Watson, of the Keighley Area Neighbourhood Team, said: "Each dog attack is treated according to its individual circumstances and incidents where serious injuries have occurred, or the dog could be considered to pose a risk to the public, are always taken seriously.

"Of the 14 attacks which have occurred in the last two years, police have taken action against suspects in ten of these cases, with four people summonsed to appear in court.

"Four were dealt with by way of a community resolution, which meant that the victim and the suspect agreed on how the matter should be resolved. There were two instances where suspects were identified, but the victim chose not to proceed with a prosecution.

"In one of the remaining four cases, the owner agreed to have the animal put to sleep after it caused injuries to family members. This outcome was deemed suitable by the victims' mother.

"Anyone who is the victim of a dog attack is urged to report the matter to police on 101."

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins said the Government had recently strengthened the law to make it easier to prosecute irresponsible dog owners.

"Dangerous dogs are an understandable worry for many residents who want to be assured that prosecutions will follow for irresponsible owners," he added.

"Last year the Dangerous Dogs Act was extended to cover private property, and the maximum penalty for those held responsible for a dog attack was increased to 14 years imprisonment.

"We have also introduced new powers to help frontline professionals tackle anti-social behaviour involving dogs."