DOGS are literally Tina Delaney's life.
Not only does she own three, and has always worked with them, but she is also undertaking a PhD in canine matters.
When complete, Tina's research is likely to make fascinating reading for people interested in dogs worldwide as she is looking into the genetics that can relate to aggression in pit bull terriers, a breed banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
"In layman's terms I am looking at whether it is nature or nurture that makes a dog aggressive," said Tina, 44.
"I'm trying to define whether a pit bull, which is perceived as an aggressive animal, is always that way because of its genes or whether it is a result of its rearing."
Tina's job makes her uniquely placed to undertake this type of research. She is manager of the animal welfare service at Newham in east London, a role that includes dog licensing and enforcement of the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Although under the Act it is illegal to own a pit bull terrier without a special licence, Tina says they are still prevalent, especially in the capital, while many people looking for a status dog are now turning to Staffordshire bull terriers instead.
"In Newham alone we seized 67 pit bulls last year and the Metropolitan Police seized 1,152. Due to the makeup of its jaw the pit bull is an amazingly powerful animal and if it does bite will cause significant injury. Because of this we have to ask is it really a domestic pet?"
Tina says she and her co-workers at Newham, which is recognised as a leading authority on dangerous dogs, have seen a significant change in the nature of the pit bulls they meet.
"Five years ago most of the pit bulls we came across were nice dogs, but that has really changed, and now only 50 per cent of them can be regarded as having a good temperament," she said.
"If you can identify genetic markers for aggression, we could breed out that aggression in certain breeds."
Tina is about half-way through her doctorate, which she is fitting around her full-time work.
She has been studying continuously for 12 years, starting her BSc science degree with the Open University at 32, then moving on to a masters, then the doctorate at Writtle.
Tina has obtained DNA samples from 90 pit bulls and undertaken 90 behavioural assessments, and is well on her way to her target of studying 100 animals in total.
She added: "Pit bulls have hardly been studied at all in the UK, and almost not at all at this level anywhere in the world."
