Attack on three-legged dog in West Bromwich park is raised in the Commons

An MP has raised the plight of a three-legged dog which was savagely mauled to death in a Black Country park in the House of Commons.

Sarah Coombes, MP for West Bromwich called for a parliamentary debate on how to deal with the owners of dangerous dogs during a session in the Commons yesterday.

Otis, a 12-year-old rescue dog, died last month as a result of injuries sustained when he was attacked by two rottweilers in a park off Tompstone Road, West Bromwich, on April 23.

Owner Angela York was also thrown to the ground in the attack.

Miss Coombes told the House: “Angela, who is in her 80s, was walking Otis a few weeks ago, when two rottweilers got loose and savaged Otis terribly.

“Angela took him to the vets’, paid out thousands of pounds, but sadly Otis died.”

She said Mrs York and her husband Terry had shown bravery in speaking out over the incident.

“The community are up in arms,” she said.

“Can we please have a debate to talk about the owners of dangerous dogs, and it is usually the owners who are the problem, and who will pay when one dog attacks another?”

Sir Alan Campbell, leader of the House of Commons, said the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 provided powers to protect the public.

He said: “This is an upsetting case, and I know other responsible pet owners will also be concerned about attacks in our communities.

He said the Dangerous Dogs Task Force had been commissioned to look at further measures.

“When those measures are clearer, I’m sure the House will want to debate them.”

Police are investigating the incident.