The drama unfolded when Andrea Berzen walked her two dogs on 14 August in Huddle Park.

Her two dogs named Sammy, a Rough Collie and Sebastian, a dachshund cross spaniel, were off their leads. They met up with the owner of two rottweilers, Ronin and Jinx, who were also off their leads.

According to Berzen, upon meeting in the park, the situation got out of hand and the dogs began to fight. Berzen tried to separate the dogs and was bitten as a result. Afterwards it was noticed that Sammy had sustained serious abdominal injuries. Sammy was taken to the vet and had to undergo surgery.

Berzen said, “I take full responsibility for my dogs when they are not on their leads, however they have never had a problem before as they are socialised. As dog walkers, there are implicit norms where it is acceptable to have your dog off their leads if they are socialised.”

The second incident involving the rottweilers occured on 28 March in Huddle Park. A Boston Terrier called Molly, and owned by Sharene Sternberg, was injured as a result of an altercation between the animals.