THE organiser of an international 'attack dogs' competition in Leominster - the first of its kind in the UK - has denied that the sport is cruel or dangerous.

John Rumble said the Mondio Ring contest at Bridge Street Sports Centre, attended by 400 people, was a great success and he hopes to stage it again next year.

The sport involves dogs such as German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Bouviers being put through agility, obedience and 'bite work' tests in a fenced ring.

The dogs (individually) attack a man in heavily padded clothing.

Mondio is based on French Ring Sport which is described on an enthusiasts' website as belonging to 'the martial arts of dog sports.' It involves 'challenging bite work, which includes unique elements of fight, contest, stress and competition between the dog and the decoy.'

Last Sunday's event in Leominster, a match between 10 dogs from several countries, received a snub when a national weekly publication, Dog World, refused to advertise it.

Editor Stuart Baillie said: "We declined to accept an advertisement because we have had some concerns. We are making inquiries."

Spokesman for the UK Kennel Club, Phil Buckley, said the club did not recognise Mondio.

"Many people do frown on it, " said Mr Buckley, "Quite a few dog owners feel it is unnecessary because it encourages aggression."

However, it was realised that there was a place for 'man work' in police-style dog training.

Leominster event organiser John Rumble, who also competed and won an award with his Malinois dog Malik, said the dogs did have to deal with obstacles and plunge through light objects such as plastic bottles.

But he added: "No element of cruelty is involved."

On the issue of aggression he said the dogs were trained to bite the clothing of the man they were confronting, not his body. Dogs leaving the ring were commonly petted by people and were not dangerous. Dog World was the only journal to refuse to advertise the event.

A French contestant and his dog won level three, the award for the most advanced level, on Sunday.

More than 20 police dog handlers and trainers and two RSPCA inspectors were among the audience. More than 40 police officers attended a Mondio seminar in Leominster on Monday.