Retired Vet Mauled to Death by Own Dogs in Tragic Incident: Details Revealed
A RETIRED vet found dead in his garden after being mauled to death by “vicious” dogs had taken the mutts in just weeks before his death.
Tragic Incident Unfolds: What Happened to Antony Harrington?
Antony Harrington, 77, was attacked by a pack of seven Bernese mountain dogs and dachshunds at his home in Little Packington, Warwickshire. He died horrifically on November 25th last year after a suspected cardiac arrest and multiple bite wounds.
The Circumstances Surrounding the Attack
A source previously told Central Recorder: “Tony always loved animals and had a huge black terrier of his own. The dogs, which police seized, included his own pet and six which were owned by a friend living with Tony at the time.
Community In Shock: Neighbor’s Eyewitness Account
As the horror unfolded, a woman, 75, ran into a neighbor’s house screaming “help, Tony’s dead”, as reported by the MailOnline. It was revealed her savage pack of dogs had moved in with the retired vet just weeks prior to the gruesome attack.
Dangerous Dogs Act Explained
After eleven horrific attacks in 1991, Home Secretary Kenneth Baker promised “to rid the country of the menace of these fighting dogs” by introducing the Dangerous Dogs Act. The law is often considered controversial as it focuses on a dog’s breed or looks instead of an individual dog’s behavior, and fails to stem the rise of dog attacks.
Police Investigation Ensues: What Happened Next?
She had been a friend of Tony’s and gone to live with him temporarily to help him after a knee operation. The neighbor who was asked for assistance said the traumatic scene was “absolutely awful.”
Legal Action Taken
According to the witness, the dangerous dogs had been taken away by police and placed in kennels while investigations continued. At the time a woman, 75, was arrested on suspicion of owning a dog dangerously out of control and bailed.
Remembering Tony Harrington
Dad-of-three Tony ran a veterinary surgery in Birmingham with late wife Louise from 1980 until they both retired. He was also a steam locomotive fan and helped to restore a 1914 engine. His funeral was held in Coleshill last month.
Recent Attacks Involving XL Bully Dogs
Ian “Scouse” Langley, 54, was protecting his puppy when the animal pounced on him outside a home in Sunderland in October 2023. Ian Price, 52, was viciously savaged in September 2023 by the beasts as he tried to protect his elderly mum from them after they escaped.