By Julie Morgan

Last updated at 18:54, Saturday, 27 June 2009

THE owner of a prized show-dog attacked by a Staffordshire bull terrier has called for a crackdown in tracking down irresponsible dog owners.

Lynda Lacy, of The Elms, Orgill, was returning home last Sunday evening when the “roaming’’ terrier “came from nowhere’’ pinning down her Papillon-breed, Abi.

“I had been to a championship dog show, and was heading down my garden path with Abi on a lead and a puppy under my arm when the black and white Staffie just flew at Abi,’’ she explained.

“I always check if there are any dogs around, but the Staffie just appeared from no-where, and I dropped Abi’s lead.

“Both dogs then ended up in the middle of the road, with the Staffie continuing to attempt to flatten and pin Abi who was terrified.

“If Abi had been smaller, or it had been the puppy, I think the Staffie would have been able to lock its jaws around the whole body,’’ Lynda said. “It isn’t normal for a dog to be that aggressive and attack.’’

Shaken by the incident, she then shouted at Abi who eventually got away from the dog and ran into the house. “Luckily, I couldn’t find any puncture wounds on Abi, but she was frightened and shocked,’’ Lynda said. “I think my shouting deterred the Staffie who then ran off.’’

Lynda subsequently contacted the police and Copeland’s dog warden. “The police took details but said they were unable to do anything without details of the address the Staffie belonged to,’’ she said. “When I rang the dog warden service, they showed no interest and said without an exact address or name they could not do anything either, but they said they would send an advisory letter to the owner if I did their work and found the details.

“I think the council could have shown more willingness to look into the case,’’ Lynda said.

A spokesperson for Copeland Council said that following Lynda’s report their officers were treating the dog as a stray and were tracking down the dog. However, if anyone had any information about its owner they are asked to contact the Council on 0845 0548600.

A police spokesperson said a patrol was sent to Orgill but had been unable to find the dog. Dangerous dogs who aren’t under control are at risk of being put down.

“Owners must ensure that their animals, particularly breeds such as Staffordshire Bull Terriers, are secure and under control. It may be tempting in warm weather to keep dogs outside, however owners must check their property is secure,’’ the spokesperson added.

Anyone who suspects a dangerous dog is roaming an area should not approach it, but contact the police who “won’t hesitate to attend.’’

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First published at 15:43, Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Published by http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk