Bournemouth dog given control order after cat is killed

Black cat Smudgey died after being attacked by a three-legged dog in Sussex Close, Muscliff, last week, despite neighbours valiantly attempting to intervene.

Now Bournemouth council’s environmental health department has banned an animal in nearby Bradford Road from being allowed out in public without a lead and wearing a muzzle.

Smudgey’s owner Ray Taylor says another cat died in similar circumstances back in May.

Mr Taylor said: “This is a step in the right direction. However it’s only an interim action until they decide whether to pursue the case.

“Our joint neighbourhoods are on constant alert, fearful that this will happen again.

“What has to happen next to address such irresponsibility and prevent further tragic incidents.”

A statement from Matthew King, team manager in our environmental health and consumer services team, said: “We were sad to hear about this incident and our sympathies are with the pet owner concerned.

“A member of the animal welfare team investigated the situation and took action immediately and investigations are continuing and we take this type of attack very seriously.

“As part of our role through the dog warden service we are determined to help prevent this type of incident happening in the future. All owners need to be aware of their responsibilities to keep control of their dogs at all times. The council will take the strongest action necessary.”

• CONCERNED residents in the West Howe area of Bournemouth have set up an e-petition calling on the government to up protection for cats.

When Philip Hawkin’s neighbour’s cat was killed by a dog, Dorset Police, the RSPCA and a dog warden told them that their only power was to warn the owner to keep their dog under control.

Now they’re campaigning for an amendment to the Control of Dogs Act 1992, to give cats the same protection as dogs that are attacked by other dogs.

Visit epetitions.direct .gov.uk /petitions/17722 for details.