Attack dogs’ bite is stripping our bark

The owners of pit bulls and other vicious breeds are being blamed for encouraging dogs to bite the trees’ bark as a way of toughening them up.

Ian Baalham, Colchester Council’s parks and recreation officer, said more than 15 trees had been damaged in Castle Park and Riverside in the past two months.

He added: “The bark is being stripped off and that does a considerable amount of damage to the tree. It can even kill them.

“We suspect some of it is just vandalism, but witnesses have told us people with bull terriers and other attack dogs tie them to the trees to increase their aggression.

“This year has seen a significant increase in Castle Park and across the Riverside area towards East Mill.”

Mr Baalham said the damage was so serious, some of the trees might have to be felled.

He said: “In the tree industry we have a system of recording the value of trees, based on age and location, and the damage here has been valued at £18,000.

“The value of replacing mature trees is more than just the replacement cost.”

Mr Baalham said the council was working with police and was determined to catch those responsible.

He added: “We have a security officer in the park and we patrol as much as we possibly can.

“Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to be in those places when it happens, but we are upping patrols.”

He added the vast majority of dog owners were responsible and the council had no plans to ban dogs from the park.

Insp Jim White, of the Colchester central neighbourhood policing team, said: “People may not realise how much damage stripping bark from the tree does. They need to be aware it is criminal damage.

“Those responsible will face being arrested.”

Mr White does not believe dog fighting is a major issue in Colchester, but said the force would remain vigilant.

Anyone who spots people causing damage to trees in the park is asked to report it to the council on 01206 282731, or call Colchester police, on 0300 3334444.