Safety debate after dog attacks woman in Market Drayton

Market Drayton Town Council will discuss dog controls at its meeting this week after resident Jenny Foreman said she was attacked by one on Buntingsdale Recreation Ground.

The attack happened at about 11am on December 7 when the owner was sitting in a van, and it was only when someone else arrived on the park that the owner called the dog and drove off. Ms Foreman said the attack left her with a few scratches and bites on her legs and arms.

Following the attack, Councillor Roy Aldcroft, the mayor of Market Drayton, said it iss an issue that needs addressing and has called on the public's help to address the problem of dogs being off leads.

He admitted one of the biggest problems is trying to identify the dog and its owner.

"We have had reports in the past of loose dogs and it is an issue we are trying to address," he said.

Following last week's dog attack, people took to the Drayton Crier Facebook page to speak of their shock and anger at the incident.

Lindsay Morgan-Taylor posted: "Woah not good. There are far too many loose dogs on that field with owners who aren't responsible."

Lisa Peacock-Dunlop said: "That is disgraceful. Some people are so sick."

Alyissa Davison-Lawson described it as "flipping shocking".

The town council will now discuss the issue at a meeting of its community and governance meeting on Thursday, which will be held in the town hall at 7.15pm.

Other items on the agenda include parking bays and the neighbourhood plan.

Prior to the meeting, the council's planning committee will meet in the town hall at 7pm.

Last week's attack came after people in Market Drayton called on dog owners who do not clean up after their pets to be prosecuted in order to crack down on fouling. Natasha Kelly said she no longer takes her dogs to Buntingsdale Recreation Ground because of dog fouling.

After the attack, Ms Foreman said: "The dog wasn't interested in my dog, just me, and the owner sat in his van. Once someone else came on to the park he whistled his dog and drove off.

"Police have been informed. I was shocked and had a few scratches and bites on my legs and arms but it could have been worse.

"I am not sure what kind of dog it was. It looked like a long haired Great Dane."

Kate Harvey, assistant town clerk at Market Drayton Town Council, said it is something they monitor on a daily basis.