Walker horrified after witnessing 'uncontrollable dog' attack gosling in Derby's Markeaton Park

A Derby woman says she was left ‘distressed and upset’ after she saw an ‘uncontrollable’ dog attack a gosling in a Derby park.

Nicole Reed, 28, from Mackworth contacted Derby World after visiting Markeaton Park over the May Day bank holiday weekend.

Ms Reed, who is a frequent visitor to the park, said she saw a dog that was off its lead, “snatch and kill a gosling” on Sunday, May 5.

She said: “I had to bear witness to an out of control dog, run, snatch and kill a gosling from the bank. It was absolutely unsightly and distressing.

“This would never have happened if owners were more responsible and respectful to the surrounding nature.”

Ms Reed claims one of the main problem areas is surrounding the big lake near the picnic benches.

She said: “The back bit near Mundy Play Centre is quite protected from dog walkers.

“But there’s a lot of issues near the big lake and picnic benches. People often walk their dogs off the lead on the big green area - which makes sense because it is open.

“But then you walk down, near the café and that’s where to me, it would probably make sense to leash the dog, but a lot of people don’t.

“Say a dog walker doesn’t leash their dog by the point of the café, and it [the dog] sees the ducks, it is likely to dart.

“I see it pretty much every single morning. Usually, dog owners realise and shout their dog back, but they don’t all have such great recall.”

Ms Reed who says she ‘greatly admires nature’ visits Markeaton Park often due to its close proximity to her house.

She said: “The amount of uncontrollable dogs off the leash, is a huge problem whether people like to accept it or not.

“I have a dog myself who is highly trained and very trustworthy.

“But I still choose to walk him with a Halti and he is never walked off lead, especially near other dogs and children.”

Ms Reed says she has tried to ask people to leash their dogs in the park but with no success.

She said: “In the past we’ve asked a few people to put their dogs on a leash but they just snap back at you straight away, saying ‘It's an open public park.’

“I understand that dogs need exercise, and it’s appropriate in many places to walk dogs off leash. I think some areas of Markeaton Park are more suitable than others for this.

Ms Reed is keen to spread awareness of the park issues, adding “things need to change.”

Markeaton Park is part of Derby Parks.

‘Are dogs welcome on Derby Parks?’ is part of the park’s Frequently Asked Questions.

There is no mention of leashes.

The park’s online response in full is: ‘Yes – there are vast expanses of open space in Derby for you and your dog to enjoy. All dogs should be under reasonable control and dog-owners must pick up after them. Dogs are not allowed in some areas of parks including all children’s play areas.’

Ms Reed is full of praise for the park which she says is ‘beautiful’ and that it brings ‘lots of visitors’ to the area to create a vibrant community.

She said: “It’s a busy park, on weekends and holidays there are a lot of children.

“It just seems that every single day you go, whether morning or evening, there are always nuisance dogs or dogs that probably shouldn’t be off-leash.

“You can buy leashes that are extendable, it doesn’t mean it has to impact a dog’s exercise.”

What needs to change?

Ms Reed thinks steps such as signs and patrols could help combat the problem.

She said: “Signs around the park and patrols, even volunteer walkers may help. I never see anybody walking the grounds, if I had more free time I would volunteer. Something has to change.”

A spokesperson for Derby City Council said: “The Council requires that dog owners keep their dogs under reasonable control when in our parks, using leads where appropriate.

“If residents are concerned about a regular pattern of someone exercising dog(s) that are out of control, they should report this to Derbyshire Police and also advise the Council’s Parks team via [email protected].

“When reporting an incident or regular behaviour, please include as much detail as possible to help colleagues to investigate.”