DOG lovers in Warrington have pointed the finger of blame at the owner of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier which had to be put down after attacking another dog.
Police have confirmed that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier which attacked a Golden Retriever at Houghton Green on December 28 has been put down.
Local dog owner Wendy Johnson-Taylor said:”The dog walkers I have spoken to all point the finger at its owner.
“It was born an innocent puppy and it was turned into a monster. It’s owners like these that should be stopped from owning dogs of this breed.
“From what I have been told he couldn’t or wouldn’t be bothered to control it properly. It had been seen on a daily basis without a muzzle on. It’s a shame because if he did this and was more responsible the dog would still be alive today. Very sad indeed”.
The dog was believed to have been involved in up to six attacks on other dogs in the past 12 months – the latest involving Holly Bennett, aged 25, who was walking her six-year-old labrador Lola on a lead near the Plough Inn at Houghton Green at around 4pm on Wednesday December 28, with her parents Christine and Gareth, when they noticed a large dog off lead.
She said at the time: “It ran up barking and went straight for Lola and gripped her around the throat and wouldn’t let go.It was terrifying,” said Holly.
Holly’s father joined in trying to pull the dog off and suffered cuts to his hand. The owner of the dog walked over and tried to help and eventually got a choker lead around its neck and pulled it away.
Holly added: “There is nothing to prevent this man owning another dog as the attack was dog on dog and not an attack on a human.
“When that happens a court case is necessary to place a ban on the owner.
“However the police have said he is now on their radar and if anyone sees him with another dog we can report it to the dog warden who can then intervene, with the police if necessary, to ensure he is taking appropriate steps to keep the dog, whatever the breed, under control, i.e with a muzzle and on a lead.
“However we know the last dog was taken from him once before and given back to him on condition it was muzzled and on a lead at all times – and as we know this was clearly not the case when it attacked Lola.
Cheshire Police confirmed that On Wednesday 28 December shortly before 5pm, police were called to reports of an incident involving two dogs in Radley Lane, Winwick, Warrington.
An Irish Blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier and golden Labrador were being walked along Radley Lane when the Terrier bit the Labrador. During the incident, the Labrador’s owner sustained injuries to his hand.
Sergeant Paul Flynn said: “We received a report back in February involving the same Staffordshire Bull Terrier, officers investigated and followed the appropriate steps at the time. In May, following further concerns from the public, the dog was examined by an expert but was confirmed not be a banned breed.
However, following this second incident, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier has been voluntarily handed to officers who, in agreement with the owner, has now been put to sleep.”
