Dangerous dog "neutralised" by armed police in Guernsey

Friday 29 November 2019

Armed Police had to put down a loose dangerous dog in a Guernsey park yesterday, after it started attacking people and other dogs.

Five people were treated at the hospital for non-life threatening injuries after being attacked. Two dogs were treated at the vet, with one having serious injuries.

The "Staffordshire" was shot after the States' Vet attended and said it was the best course of action to prevent further risk to members of the public and first responders, including those close by in the children’s playground. Because of this advice from the Vet, officers were authorised to "dispatch the dog and neutralise the threat it posed."

Pictured: Officers were authorised to "neutralise" the dog.

A Bailiwick Law Enforcement spokesman said: “We are establishing the circumstances around how the dog came to be attacking people in the park. We are liaising with the owner of the Staffordshire, and anyone with information is asked to contact us on 725111.

“We would like to commend the brave actions of the public who intervened by restraining the dog as emergency services were en route – their actions undoubtedly prevented further injury.”

Officers first arrived on the scene just after midday, when a number of 999 calls were received reporting a "loose and dangerous dog". Because of the threat described, armed officers were deployed.

Pictured: A number of 999 calls reported the "loose and dangerous dog".

Upon arrival officers took over from the members of the public in containing the Staffordshire – but it was still behaving in an "extremely aggressive manner and presenting an ongoing risk".

There was a police presence within the vicinity of the park during the afternoon.