South Ribble Borough Council takes action after 'horrific' dog attacks at Withy Grove Park in Bamber Bridge
The out-of-control dog has been causing terror on a local park...
Action has been taken over an aggressive Staffordshire Bull Terrier running loose on a park in Bamber Bridge.
The silver Staffie, a female, is reported to have attacked a number of dogs and people on Withy Grove Park recently.
The dog was said to be roaming free on the park, which is popular with families and children, after repeatedly escaping from its home on a nearby street. People were horrified after the Staffie chased their dogs and pounced on them, leaving some with serious bites needing veterinary treatment.
Lancashire Police were alerted but the force said the incident was for the Dog Warden to deal with. South Ribble Borough Council has since issued a Community Protection Notice to its owner.
The dog has been pictured splattered with blood after breaking loose and mauling another dog, while others have raised the alarm on local Facebook groups, warning dog walkers and families to be aware.
After being served with the CPN notice, the dog’s owner was told she must ensure that her back garden is secure and that the dog is only walked by an adult and remains on a 1m lead at all times, whilst wearing a Baskerville muzzle.
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Where were the police?
SRBC councillors said they also intend to investigate why the “lines of communication from Lancashire Police to the Council seem to have issues and delays”. Councillors said reports filed with the police about recent dog attacks had not been passed to the Dog Warden to make the relevant enquiries.
Yesterday evening, concerns about the out-of-control Staffie were discussed by local councillors and neighbourhood police officers who met with residents at St Mary’s Catholic Church for the latest Bamber Bridge Police & Community Together (PACT) meeting.
Dog attacks - what you should do
If you are involved in, or are witnessing a dog attack in action, call 999 if there is an immediate risk.
If it has happened and the immediate danger has passed, then call 101 or report it online.
You should also report your concerns to the South Ribble Borough Council animal welfare team and let your local SRBC councillor know.
If you can, take photos and video for evidence, especially if it shows the attacking dog and owners breaching rules.