FIGHTING dogs are being trained in at least three Southend parks where they are taught to attack trees.


The damage to trees at Churchill Gardens, Southchurch Park, and Warrior Square, seems to show evidence of the shocking practice.

 

It is feared it will also cause permenant damage to some of the trees, which could affect their lifespan.


Valerie Howells, the town’s animal warden, said: “What they tend to do is put chains around the trees and wind the dog up, trying to get the dog to jump up.


“They then hang things off them so the dog can hang on, strengethening jaw muscles, neck muscles and shoulder muscles, which is what they want when it comes to fighting.”


The chain then rips up and down the tree as the dog attacks it, ripping the bark off. But it is not always trees that dogs are trained to attack.


Anyone who sees this happening is urged to call police on 101.