Dog at centre of ‘punch’ arrest furore safe and well

Police have spoken out to reassure the public about the wellbeing of a dog at the centre of a social media outcry this week after it was filmed being repeatedly punched in the street
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Dec 2015, 07:04 BST

Taking to the police’s official social media account late last night, PC Nigel Keates responded to speculation and assumptions being made following the news yesterday that a man had been arrested following the shocking attack on the dog in a Nelson street that was caught on video.

He confirmed that a man has been arrested and interviewed (fully co-operating with the authorities) and, as a result of information, statements, video and evidence, the police’s legal team are to discuss the prosecution case. It is not the police or RSPCA who decide upon the prosecution.

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He said the dog is still with the RSPCA and “in excellent care and conditions” and added: “The dog at this point does not appear to have any visible or noticeable injury” although full results from a vet’s examination are still awaited. He stressed there was “no intention to harm the dog in any way”.

“The dog owner is fully supportive in our efforts to resolve and investigate the case,” said PC Keates, who stressed: “The dog owner is NOT the alleged offender.”

He added: “The dog is of a Bull Terrier type. This does not mean it is of a banned breed type. There are many different Bull Terrier x types. This will be fully explored and investigated.

And dog lover PC Keates reassured animal lovers who have been up in arms since the footage was realeased: “The dog was seen by myself today and was a beautiful friendly hound with a penchant for my extra strong mints and was fascinated by my face insisting on providing me with a wash with its tongue at every opportunity!

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“There is no hidden agenda in this post. Both the Police and RSPCA want the best outcome for ALL concerned and will use everything in our power to achieve this.

“To those who helped and supported over the last few days. I thank you sincerely.”

The incident is said to have taken place in Hendon Road, Nelson, around 3-15pm on Thursday, December 10th, and yesterday a joint operation involving the RSPCA, police and Pendle’s dog warden saw a 37-year-old local man arrested and the dog seized.

The public response to the inital appeal saw a huge outcry, which saw comedian Ricky Gervais join the appeal to find the man responsible.

Related topics:PoliceNelsonRSPCA