Dog attack concern

Gerard McEvoy, who enjoys regular walks in the park, was shocked by what he witnessed in the park on Friday.

He said: “There was a father and son playing with a ball and next thing this big dog, either a Doberman or a Rottweiler, got hold of the ball and ran off with it.

“The dog destroyed the ball. The young boy was traumatised. He could only have been about three.

“The owner of the dog then showed up and put the dog back on the leash.”

Gerard said he had talked with the park warden.

“He told me there was nothing he could do about it,” said the local man.

“He said he’d spoken to the owner before. He said it was a chance you took when you came into the park.

“This isn’t good enough,” he added. “What has to happen before something is done. Does someone have to be killed?”

A council spokesperson said: “Council bye-laws state that park users must keep their dog under proper control at all times. Owners are responsible for the level of control over their own dogs

“As part of their campaign to educate park users, staff regularly host Dog Awareness Days. These sessions deal with a number of issues including keeping your dog under control and dog fouling.”

Visitors to the Park can contact the dog warden at Craigavon Borough Council to report issues relating to dogs on 3831 2400.