Her daughter s dog was mauled on January 5 resulting in a severe wound on her pet s leg that needed stitches and leaving her with a vet s bill costing �300. Ruth said: I caught up with the owner of the Akita two weeks ago and he tried to avoid me but I c

Her daughter's dog was mauled on January 5 resulting in a severe wound on her pet's leg that needed stitches and leaving her with a vet's bill costing �300.

Ruth said: "I caught up with the owner of the Akita two weeks ago and he tried to avoid me but I caught him as he was trying to leave the park.

"When I told him about my daughter's dog he denied it.

"He said he didn't own the dog and he was looking after it for someone who was on holiday.

"When I asked for the address of his friend he told me to mind my own business and ran off along the footpath that leads to Ford Road and dashed out into Rectory Road."

Ruth claims the Akita owner goes to the park either early in the morning or after dark.

She says the dog attacked her daughter's pet without any warning from the owner about the fact that the Akita was dangerous.

Her daughter contacted the police and has been advised to contact the RSPCA but unfortunately no-one knows who the owner is or where he lives.

Sgt Andrew Larkin said: "The problem the police have had in the past is that an Akita is not a dangerous dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

"Also, these dog seem to be attacking other dogs, not people.

"It is only recently that the RSPCA have been able to prosecute under the Animal Welfare Act.

"If anyone experiences problems with dangerous dogs they should contact the Parks Police on 07772 221 513."

If you have information about the Akita's owner, contact the POST on 020 8477 3778 or call the police on 0300 123 123.