Anger as dog death film clip goes online
ANIMAL lovers waited outside a Southport house overnight, demanding action from police and the RSPCA, after a video circulated of a pug being mauled to death by dogs.
The disturbing footage, captured by a neighbour, was viewed thousands of times online and sparked an angry response from concerned residents.
In the video, a group of dogs is seen savaging the small pug, which was later found dead.
Merseyside police and RSPCA workers attended the Milton Street address on Monday evening, before returning on Tuesday morning to take several of the dogs away.
A group of nearby residents went to the address after seeing the footage on Monday.
The home had previously known to be home to well looked-after animals which had regularly been bought by other people living in the street.
But conditions seen in the footage, and by those who were allowed to enter the property, were so shocking that people felt action must be taken.
It is believed that the occupier of the home was unwell and that the animals were being looked after by a visiting family member.
According to one protester, the street became inaccessible to cars on Monday night because of the number of people outside.
Police accompanied RSPCA officers to the home and it is believed that four puppies and three adult dogs were taken away on Tuesday afternoon.
Two cats were also said to be in very poor health and taken in by neighbours.
Sovereign Porter was among those who waited outside the property after being shocked by the footage.
She said: “When we saw the video on Facebook was the first we knew about it. They were so many people here last night that the road was blocked.”
Vivian Howe said she went into the home and was shocked by the conditions: “When we saw it we’ve gone on Facebook to get as many people to come down.
“I was here till nearly four in the morning in the rain because no-one was going to do anything. If it wasn’t for the people here, none of this with the RSPCA and police would be happening now.”
After police and RSPCA workers left, she said: “We just need to know how many dogs are still in there.”
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We are aware of an upsetting video circulating on social media and can confirm the RSPCA did attend an address in Southport along with a vet and the police.
“Unfortunately, we are unable to discuss complaints about specific people and what action may have been taken for legal reasons.”
A police spokesman said: “Merseyside police can confirm that we are liaising with the RSPCA in relation to an incident at an address in Southport on Monday, September 30.
“At around 3.10pm, a call was received reporting dogs attacking a smaller dog in an address on Milton Street, Southport.
“Patrols attended and a small pug was found deceased. The matter has been referred to the RSPCA for further action.”