A WARNING has been issued after a dog attack in a popular Hereford park.

The attack happened in Hereford's Belmont Country Park, said South Wye police community support officer Tally Hunt, and involved a dog which was not on a lead attacking another dog.

The incident at the park, which is a popular spot for families and dog walkers alike on the edge of the city, was reported to police.

PCSO Hunt said officers are now reminding anyone using the park to have control of their dogs. 

"Please ensure that all dogs are on a lead and you have control," PCSO Hunt said.

"It is very important as not only are their other dog owners using the park, but families with children."

She warned: "This is for the safety of everyone using the country park in Belmont."

What does the law say?

It’s against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere, including in a public place, in a private place such as a neighbour’s house or garden, and in the owner’s home.

The law applies to all dogs. You can report a dog that’s out of control to the dog warden service run by the local council or your local police force.

When is a dog dangerously out of control?

Your dog is considered dangerously out of control if it injures someone or makes someone worried that it might injure them.

A court could also decide that your dog is dangerously out of control if it attacks someone’s animal or the owner of an animal thinks they could be injured if they tried to stop your dog attacking their animal.

What are the penalties?

Owners of dangerously out of control dogs can be given an unlimited fine or jailed for up to six months, or both. They may be banned from keeping dogs and the dog may be destroyed. 

Owners who let their dog injure someone could be jailed for up to five years, fined, or both. 

If you allow your dog to kill someone you can be sent to prison for up to 14 years or get an unlimited fine,or both.