Schweinhunds!

If successful, it could mean the by November, it would be illegal for the British to own a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

However, the Germans have no intention of banning breeds of the their own "dangerous" dogs, such as German Shepherds or Rottweilers.

Lisa Jackson, who works at Brentknoll Veterinary Centre, in Bath Road, Worcester, is outraged by reports of the German government's plan to ask the European Parliament to introduce a total ban on "dangerous" breeds.

The move follows the fatal mauling of a six-year-old boy in Hamburg, by an American pit bull terrier and a Staffordshire bull terrier.

"I can't believe they're doing this," said Miss Jackson, who is also a dog behaviourist and carries out dog training.

"It's absolutely outrageous to think that the German government could have that kind of control over which dogs we're allowed to keep in Britain.

"German breeds such as German Shepherds and Rottweilers aren't on their list, yet these dogs are regularly found in rehabilitation.

"I don't want these breeds banned, but it does seem rather unfair."

The British Kennel Club has also reacted to the news.

"We're horrified to hear of these developments and need to be pro-active in attempting to protect the breeds and prevent the possibility of this happening in the UK," said Phil Buckley a member of the club.

Miss Jackson has already written to Worcester MP Mike Foster and to German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.

She now plans to collect as many names as she can on a petition, which she will send to them.

"Not everyone's a dog lover, I accept that, but many people are, and if there's no opposition to it they may get it through," she said.

"If anyone wants to write a letter and give it to me I'm happy to pass it on to the appropriate people."

Anyone wishing to add their name to the petition can do so at the Brentknoll Veterinary Centre at 152 Bath Road, Worcester or phone Lisa Jackson on 01905 355938.