Dogs who killed family pet were allegedly being walked by 15 year old daughter of a dog rescuer

A 23-year-old woman and a child also suffered minor injuries in the attack at Vicar Water Country Park on Wednesday August 9.

Larry, a one-year-old Dachshund, died at the scene.

His family said: “We are heartbroken over what has happened.

Larry was loved and cherished by all who met him, especially our three-year-old daughter who referred to him as her best friend.”

A witness at the scene told Chad: “There was a commotion and a girl was shouting “Help me help me”. She was with her young daughter. “Apparently a dog had bit them and then killed her dog.

“Someone contacted the police and they got hold of the dogs.

“It is just ridiculous - there was a young girl aged around 16-18 with four dogs, with two off the lead.

“It is a problem and it’s not the first time it has happened around here. “It turned my stomach - I have a dog and bring him here most days, it could have been me.”

He described one of the dogs as a ‘pit bull type’ pure white with blood around its face.

On Facebook Sarah Jayne Madigan wrote: “These are dogs in rescue!! The “owner” of the rescue allowed a minor (15-16yr old) walk them, not only walk them but OFF LEAD!! The breed of attack dogs is irrelevant as we all know ANY dog can attack but the fact they are in rescue and being left with minors IS relevant... Shocking.... I feel so sorry for the family who’s lost Larry”

Andrea Cuthbert said: “Can’t believe this has happened! Its irresponsible. Allowing her 15 year old daughter to walk four strong big dogs like this! Why if they’re reactive dogs ffs! Will be 5 dead dogs and a traumatised lady and her little who were bitten and witnessed this!“

Nottinghamshire Police were called at around 11am on Wednesday (9 August) to a report of a dog attack in Vicar Water Country Park, Clipstone. Officers attended, along with other emergency services. ‎

One dog died at the scene after it is believed to have been attacked by four other dogs. The four dogs in question were seized under the Dangerous Dog Act and are currently being kept in a safe, undisclosed location while the investigation continues.

Officers would like to thank members of the public that have come forward with information so far. Statements have been taken and the investigation is on-going.

The owner of the four dogs that were seized has also been assisting officers with their enquiries.‎

We appreciate the concerns people have and the public interest that is generated by an incident like this; updates will be provided at the appropriate times as the investigation progresses. We’d like to reminded people that this is an active case and any speculation could damage the investigation.A