A GROWING number of unleashed dogs in Halesowen town centre has sparked fears that a passerby could be attacked.

Chamber of trade vice chairman Steve Fitzpatrick said he was concerned at the rise in the number of people allowing their pets off the lead in the shopping area.

Mr Fitzpatrick, who runs the Victorian Flower Stall in the town, told today’s chamber meeting: “A dog can turn at any time and bite someone or attack another dog on a lead, which wouldn’t be able to escape.

“I don’t know why, but there are more dogs – and big dogs – not on leads and they should be.”

Ken Rudge, from the parish church of St John the Baptist, reported an increase in dog mess in the churchyard, which is used as a right of way for schoolchildren and college students.

The chamber is urging dog owners to be more responsible.