Rumours about the death of a dog have resulted in an increased number of police patrols in Butterfield Park, police in Stoke Newington have confirmed. The area’s Safer Neighbourhood Team has increased the number of targeted patrols after residents described an individual repeatedly bringing “aggressive” dogs to the public green space and children’s play areas. According from reports from residents, a dog is alleged to have died after an altercation with this individual’s dogs, sparking investigations into its identity and an increase in surveillance across the park.
Police community support officer Ullah Zaka said that this individual’s dogs were engaging in activities he described as “threatening to other people”. “What really brought us into the equation was when someone then mentioned that a dog has died because of one those dogs.”
“We’re trying to identify which dog was the culprit, and which dog was the victim,” he said. “We’ve not been able to confirm where that information has come from. No reports have been made to police.”
The news comes as police record a 34% increase in cases of dogs attacking humans in England and Wales in the past 5 years. The BBC also discovered nearly 22,000 cases of out-of-control dogs causing human injuries in the UK last year. Dog behaviour specialists have suggested that the rise is due in part to the lack of socialization and proper training of puppies over COVID lockdowns.
PCSO Ullah said that police have received “complaints over the last few weeks” from local residents about these “bigger, more aggressive dogs”. The Safer Neighborhoods Team is continuing to investigate the claims and asks any residents with more information to come forward.
Targeted Patrols – Clissold officers responding to residents concerns linked to dog related Anti-Social Behaviour taking place at BUTTERFIELD GREEN N16
Thank you for all your calls.
Working towards a Safer Community#Clissold#Hackney#SaferNeighbourhoods pic.twitter.com/fw5iyM6Suv
— Stoke Newington Policing Team (@MPSStokeNewton) February 20, 2023
