Shocking moment out-of-control dog attacks police horse as owner stands by and watches and brave passersby try to help
AN out-of-control dog savaged two police horses in a park attack yesterday afternoon.
The two officers screamed for the owner to put the hound, thought to be an American Bully breed, on a lead but were left pleading for any of the public to “be brave” and intervene after he cowardly just stood by watching.
And after the midday incident at Victoria Park in Hackney, East London, the owner allegedly said: “Just take the dog.”
One of the horses is thought to have suffered leg injuries and both are traumatised after the yapping canine bit at their legs and body in the four-minute attack.
Several members of the public intervened, with one chap using a long stick to try to get the dog away from the horses.
The officers were shouting “get it now”, “get the dog” and “get on with it” as they desperately tried to get the hound under control.
After the attack, one officer managed to dismount the horse and shouted to get the dog on a lead immediately.
But the owner still only took a leisurely stroll over to the animal.
Police then removed the dog from the scene.
A witness, 37, was walking her pup when she saw the other canine eyeing up the horses.
She said it was far too interested and could tell it was “looking for a fight”.
The marketing worker told The Sun: “It was shocking and scary. You could tell it was bad.
“I spotted the dog and the body language was way too interested in the horses and was going over to antagonise them.
“The officers were trying to get the owner to get the dog under control and secured.
Do you know the owner or did you see what happened? Call 0207 860 1129 or email edward.southgate@the-sun.co.uk
“Eventually there’s one brave witness who grabbed the dog but then the owner takes his time to go over and put the dog on the lead.
“I was apologetic that I couldn’t do anything but I was keeping my own dog on the lead and under control.”
She said the rider of the main horse that got attacked took himself off afterwards and seemed like he “needed some space”.
She accused owners of American Bully breeds of getting them “for status” and said owners of dogs that can be reactive should ensure they are always on a lead.
The Met has been approached for comment.