No action against owner after Akita dog mauls pet

An animal lover whose pet ­collie was mauled by another dog has hit out at the police and council for not taking strong enough action against the owner, claiming a child could be next.

Gary Wilson with his injured dog Boomette. Picture: comp

Gary Wilson was horrified when a Japanese Akita dog broke free from its lead and went for Boomette while he was out walking at the 
Musselburgh lagoons. The Akita grabbed hold of Boomette’s throat, and didn’t let go until Mr Wilson tried to prize its jaws apart.

Boomette needed treatment to her neck, which cost almost £200 in veterinary fees.

Mr Wilson reported the incident to police and East Lothian Council – but was shocked when they told him that no major action was required.

The owner was issued with a letter which advised that the Akita should be on a lead at all times, however it is understood that no guidance was given about keeping it muzzled.

Mr Wilson, of Milton Road East, said: “I told the council and the police, ‘this could have been a child’.

“The police said they couldn’t do anything because it was a dog that it had attacked. When I got in touch with the council, they said the same.”

The 54-year-old said his pet, who is 16 years old, had “lost all her confidence and spirit”.

“When I took her out she was just shaking, I think it was actually fear – she was terrified to go out,” he said.

“Maybe the next time this thing will attack a child. I wonder if police will still say nothing to do with us or the council will send another letter saying it must not do it again. They seem to be like designer dogs – I wouldn’t have any child near them. I want other people warned about these dogs.”

The incident happened less than a week after a Maine Coon cat was savaged by another Akita dog in Clermiston.

A police spokeswoman said: “Police received a complaint regarding an Akita dog attacking another dog to its minor injury at the Musselburgh lagoons on July 2. The complaint was investigated thoroughly by officers and by the council dog wardens. Advice was given to all parties involved. It was established that no crime had been committed.”

An East Lothian Council spokeswoman said: “While we cannot comment on individual incidents, I can confirm that in any case like this our wardens carry out a careful evaluation of all aspects of the situation and take appropriate steps to ensure that there can be no recurrence.”

[email protected]