BBC News Online: World: Europe

Dogs kill boy in Germany

Two other children are reported to have been hurt by the rampaging dogs, a pitbull and a Staffordshire terrier.

The boy, who was of Turkish origin, died of his injuries soon after the dogs attacked him at a school playground where the children were taking part in a games lesson.

Police officers who rushed to the scene shot and killed the dogs.

Treated for shock

Several other pupils of the school needed treatment for shock.

Hamburg police have said that two people had been arrested in connection with the incident.

Following a long series of serious injuries caused by fighting dogs, German federal and regional interior ministers have said they will begin putting in place legislation to protect people against such animals.

There have been calls for the authorities to ban the breeding and sale of aggressive dogs and introduce licensing for existing owners.

In Berlin, the city council has vowed to get fighting dogs off the streets and require them to be muzzled in public.

In France, as of January 2000, owners of dog breeds considered a danger to the public are obliged by law to have them neutered.