Hemel Hempstead man criticises police over lack of action after seeing neighbour attacked by dog

A man from Hemel Hempstead has called for police to take action after he witnessed a dog attack his neighbour, just months after he claims the same dog attacked his fiance.

Charlie Taylor contacted Hertfordshire Police in November when his fiance and dog were attacked by a another dog in Gadebridge Park.

He has questioned what it will take for police to take action, after he says his neighbour was attacked by the same dog this week.

Charlie said: "My fiance was attacked last year, she was walking into Gadebridge Park, she walked past the dog and it's owner and then the dog managed to get free from the lead and started running towards my fiance and our dog.

"Our dog was attacked, it was bitten on the tail and the leg. My fiance managed to get our dog away and then the dog bit her on the leg and she had to go to hospital.

"We gave all our evidence to the police and they didn't care.

"We found the dog that attacked her and passed the information to the police and they didn't seem to care, the dog then tried to attack me and my dog.

"On Tuesday, another neighbour of ours was attacked by the same dog. The dog went to the toilet and he asked the owner if he was going to pick it up. He said that he wasn't going to and then there was a bit of an argument and then the dog attacked him.

"The owners don't walk the dog properly, it's a dangerous dog, it's a cross breed, but I'm not sure what it is. What will it take for the police to take action?

"It won't be long before the dog attacks a child, something needs to be done."

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police said: "On Tuesday 22 October 2020 we received a report of a dog dangerously out of control in Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead.

"A German Shepherd was attacked by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier-type dog, which also bit a woman on the leg and caused an injury that required stitches.

"An investigation was carried out, with a statement taken from the victim and a review of CCTV footage.

"A person of interest and their dog were initially identified but further enquiries later confirmed they were not involved in the incident.

"All lines of enquiry were exhausted and the incident has been investigated as far as reasonably possible.

"As a result, the investigation has been finalised pending any further evidence becoming available.

"As with all cases, any new information that arises in the future will be thoroughly investigated.

"The victim was updated throughout the investigation and is fully aware of the circumstances and reasons for finalisation."