AN Okehampton resident has raised concerns about dog walkers in Simmons Park, following a vicious attack on his own dog last weekend.

Barry Evans was walking his dog Skye through the park with his two-year-old son Dylan at around 8am on Sunday when Skye was attacked by a black and white collie. The owner, who also had another dog with her, left the park shortly after the incident.

The attack left Skye with a deep wound in her side, and the veterinary bill to treat and stitch it was £300.

Barry said: 'We were at the top bridge in Simmons Park, chucking sticks around for Skye. She was paddling in the river, and when she came back onto the bank, the collie shot out like a rocket.

'The dogs broke apart and the collie went in for a second time. Skye barely reacted at the time, she's such a passive dog.

'I had words with the lady, telling her to put a muzzle on her dog, and after that she walked off. I didn't immediately think to check the dog for any cuts, because she seemed fine.

'We proceeded to play in the park with a ball, and I took Dylan on the swings. Then I suddenly noticed the wound on Skye's side. I walked back down the park to look for the lady but she was gone.

'It is a big issue. If you know your dog isn't good around other dogs or children, put a muzzle on them.

'This is a very concerning situation, and it is a topic with a great strength of feeling from the local community. I know a lot of people are very concerned about out of control dogs in our local park, and the potential implications this has to the safety of our children and much loved dogs.'

Town councillor Kay Bickley said: 'There are already by-laws stating that dogs must be kept under control in the park.

'The issue is the matter of enforcing such by-laws. Such enforcement would need an enforcement officer, which is something the council is looking at.

'My personal strong feeling is that dogs should be kept on leads in the park. As it is, it's somewhat of a free for all, which simply isn't good enough. I'm a dog owner myself, and I know the concerns.

'There should be defined areas to exercise dogs off a lead but still under control. Dog owners need to let dogs out to exercise, but somewhere safe.'

Chairman of the parks committee Cllr David Weekes would like anyone who has experienced problems with dogs in the park to let him know by sending letters to the town clerk at Okehampton Town Hall. The issue will be raised at the next parks committee meeting at 7pm on Monday July 11. The public are welcome to attend in the council chamber in the town hall and voice their concerns.