CONCERNS have been raised after a dog was attacked in south Cumbria.

A couple took to social media to spread a warning to pet owners after their own pooch was attacked n Grizedale Forrest on Saturday.

The incident, which left a cocker spaniel with a suspected broken leg, involved two dogs who were being walked with their owners off their lead.

The dogs spotted the little cocker spaniel and was 'tearing it'.

The incident was reported to police in Ambleside but no crime was recorded.

A Cumbria Police spokeswoman said they were contacted with a report of a dog attack in the Grizedale Forest area but because the attack was on another dog it was not something police would investigate.

After hearing about the incident, a spokesman for the RSPCA said owners have a responisbility to keep their pets under control.

An RSPCA spokesman said: “This sounds like a very distressing incident.

“Owners have a responsibility to ensure their dogs are under proper control at all times.

“It’s therefore vital owners understand the circumstances likely to lead to their dog being aggressive and also the signs of potential aggressive behaviour in their dogs so that they can take steps to prevent incidents from occurring. Keeping dogs on a lead in appropriate places can also reduce the risk of incidents.

“We urge anyone with concerns about their dog’s behaviour to seek advice from their vet who may refer them to an appropriately qualified clinical animal behaviourist.

“If your dog is attacked by another dog, we advise you to report this to the police.”

Police also urged people to report such incidents to them so they can monitor any future dog attacks.

The police spokeswoman said: “I can confirm we were contacted at around 9.05am on June 26 to a report of a dog attacking another dog at Grizedale Forrest, Ambleside.

“One of the dogs sustained injuries.

“We would encourage people to report such incidents to police.”

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act it is illegal for a dog to be ‘out of control’ or to bite or attack someone. The legislation also makes it an offence if a person is worried or afraid (the term is ‘reasonable apprehension’) that a dog may bite them.

Go to www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit or call 101.