Trees dying in Abbeymead as dogs strip off bark during "dog fight training"
TREES are dying because dog owners are using them to train their dogs to fight.
Trees across Abbeymead have been stripped of their bark by the dogs and police have upped their patrols to stop it continuing.
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PC Rich Hunt and police dog Ace
Complaints have also been made to Gloucester City Council after residents noticed the problem.
In September, police warned that trees in Gloucester Park were being damaged by dogs "being conditioned to fight or for security reasons" because it strengthens their jaws. Dog handler PC Rich Hunt said at the time it was usually illegal dogs who are trained in this way.
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Andrew Gravells, city and county councillor for Abbey ward, said owners were allowing their animals to attack and rip the bottom of the trees and hang from the branches.
"These trees are going to die unless this crazy practice stops immediately," he said.
"I hope that whoever is responsible for allowing their dogs to rip off the bark off like this will think about how their actions are causing these trees to die .
"This is one of the best areas of the city in which to live. The city and county councils put a lot of effort in here to keep it looking good, and it's maddening to see how a handful of totally irresponsible dog owners are allowing their dogs to destroy these trees."
Police have been informed of the criminal damage and patrols had been upped to catch or deter the offenders. It is understood the dogs are walked in the early hours of the morning.
A spokesman from the city council said: "Officers have visited the site and found a number of trees had been severely damaged and unlikely to survive.
"This criminal damage is most likely to have been caused by dogs. Police and council officers will be monitoring the area. Any irresponsible owners found allowing dogs in their care to cause this damage will face potential prosecution."
To report any suspicious activity to the police, call 101 or e-mail the city council at heretohelp@gloucester.gov.uk
3 Comments
by MrGarnet
Monday, March 18 2013, 5:57PM
“Exactly Terry.
Why is it not cracked down on and these "Fighting Dogs" no licensed to people who can look after and control them?”
by Terrythedog
Monday, March 18 2013, 11:32AM
“Aside from the damage to the tree isn't there another problem that needs investigating further, the possibility that illegal dogs fights are taking place? If anyone has ever seen the injuries done to these poor dogs or to the bait dogs/animals often used to train them, it is horrendous and these scum bags need to be stopped.”
by MrGarnet
Monday, March 18 2013, 8:53AM
“"Any irresponsible owners found allowing dogs in their care to cause this damage will face potential prosecution."
Bet they are quaking in their boots!
Pity the "Potential prosecution" is not as draconian as if you don't pay your council tax on time!”