PC Matt Holt said officers had received many complaints about certain breeds of dogs, including Staffordshire bull terriers and bull mastiffs, being allowed off the lead to run riot in the town centre.

As a result Newhaven police have done some research and found owners could face prosecution under the 1988 Road Traffic Act for not keeping their dogs under control.

Section 27 (1) of the Act says it is an offence to permit a dog not to be on a lead on a designated road.

PC Holt said: 'We have had a number of complaints about status dogs being off the lead and wandering into shops. We did some digging and found this part of the Road Traffic Act.

'In the first instance, owners will get letters warning them of the Act. If they persist, then we will look to taking it further.'

The RSPCA has expressed concerns about status dogs which are increasingly seen as a badge of honour – some end up in organised dog fights while others are used to intimidate people.

Tim Wass, the charity's chief officer, said: 'There is widespread recognition that the agencies on the front line need to work better together in order to deal with irresponsible dog owners who use dogs as weapons or let them run amok.'

Anyone with information about the dogs in Newhaven or who would like more details about the Act should call police on 0845 60 70 999.