Antony Harrington was bitten by the seven dogs, said to include several large Bernese mountain canines, but police are trying to establish whether the bites were the cause of death
A retired vet was discovered dead in his garden – after being bitten by seven dogs, including his own black Russian terrier.
Antony Harrington, 77, was attacked by the pack, said to also include several large Bernese mountain dogs. The widower suffered a suspected cardiac arrest and was declared dead at the scene in Little Packington, Warwickshire.
The father of three “always loved animals,” a friend said as police continue to investigate the death. It is understood officers are trying to establish whether the bites were the cause of death or if he was dead when he was attacked in November last year.
A source told The Sun: “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.
“What happened is horrific — no one knows why the dogs attacked him. He was found in the garden and bits of his clothes had been scattered around the grass. His family are distraught and hope the investigation can help them understand what happened.”
A 75-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of owning a dog dangerously out of control and bailed. A spokesman for Warwickshire Police told The Sun: “Enquiries are ongoing and it is yet to be determined whether the bites caused the death, or the man had died prior to being bitten.
Tony ran a veterinary surgery in Birmingham with late wife Louise from 1980 until they both retired, it is understood. The funeral for the dad, who was also a steam locomotive fan and helped to restore a 1914 engine, was held in Coleshill, Warwickshire, in March.
The number of dog attacks in the UK rose by a fifth in one year – with police recording more than 80 incidents a day, reports MailOnline. Police forces recorded 30,539 offences of a dog injuring a person or a guide dog last year increasing from 25,291 in 2022. Responding to the increased scale of attacks, and a series of fatalities, cause by XL Bully-type dogs, the Government brought forward a ban on the dangerous dogs.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
