The owners of several dogs attacked in Spalding have spoken of their outrage that there’s been no police action.
Three owners have had pets injured – one so severely it had to be put to sleep – by a pack of lurcher-style dogs running loose in the Coronation Channel and Clay Lake area.
One owner, who says he was assaulted by the dogs’ owners, has left the area after police told him they didn’t have enough evidence to prosecute – despite the fact his Jack Russell had to be put down.
“My small dog was suffering with arthritis at the time and had no chance against seven or eight lurchers.
“She suffered so many injuries, a broken spine and leg and various bites – she had to be put down,” he said.
He said he was punched by one of the men with the lurchers and another punched him when he tried to get up.
“The moment I was told the police would be taking no action, I took the decision to move out of the area,” he said.
“The police just fobbed me off. They said they didn’t have enough evidence and that they would be building up a bigger picture,” he said.
In the latest incident, on Saturday, Becky Street said she was walking her Jack Russell Marley near Clay Lake when the dogs attacked them both.
“I was walking to see a friend when I saw the owners about 900 metres away let the seven dogs off their leads. They just came at me from behind,” she said tearfully.
Becky managed to lift her dog above her shoulders but the pack persisted and she hit them with her lead.
“A cyclist used his bike to scare them away and offered to be a witness. I was in such a state of shock.”
Her dog remains at the vets where he is being treated but his prognosis is not clear. She had to visit hospital three times for treatment to bite wounds she received from the dogs.
“The owner just said sorry – but what use is sorry?” she asked.
Two other men also spoke to the Voice who had similar incidents and both of them picked up their dogs to avoid injury.
Neither wanted to be identified and they both reported what happened to police but were aware no further action had been taken.
A spokesman for Lincolnshire Police said: “We know incidents involving dogs can be very frightening for those involved.
“Our officers are investigating the reports we have received. We have traced witnesses and two potential suspects were identified and interviewed.
“There was insufficient evidence to proceed with any charges.
“However, our inquiries continue and we ask anyone with any information that will help with our investigation to get in touch.”
Officers are appealing to the cyclist who helped on Saturday at Clay Lake to come forward. Call 101 and quote incident 232 18/12/21.
