Visitors to a Stoke-on-Trent beauty spot were left horrified after witnessing five huskies 'ripping ducks to pieces'.

Families at Ford Green Nature Reserve in Smallthorne watched in shock as the dogs killed birds last weekend.

Now the RSPCA has now launched an investigation into the harrowing incident on Sunday, May 19.

Mark Holland, of Stockton Brook, had gone to the nature reserve with his grandchildren when he saw the aftermath of the attack.

The 60-year-old said: "It was quite a frightening experience, especially for the children. There was a lot of commotion going on.

"There must have been about five husky or akita type dogs there and there were feathers and blood everywhere.

"It wasn't very nice at all. I tried to get the grandkids away."

Ford Green Nature Reserve

The incident at Ford Green Nature Reserve came just days before a husky-type dog mauled a bichon frise to death at Burslem Park.

Mark added:  "The incident at Burslem Park could have been even worse. When a dog is in a frenzy there is very little you can do. How long is it going to be before a child is attacked?

"These big breeds seem to be becoming more popular and the owners can sometimes be quite intimidating. When you tell people to put their dogs on their leads you can sometimes get a mouthful back.

"I believe there should be dog wardens who fine anyone for not having their dogs on a lead. Families should feel safe to go and enjoy a day out."

The dead ducks at Ford Green Nature Reserve

News of the huskies attacking the ducks spread across social media.

One woman said: "There was a man down the nature reserve allowing his five husky dogs to kill and eat the ducks. This was all done in front of mine, and several other kids.

"It was a drake with poorly eyesight. My daughter had just hand fed it before it was killed. It broke her heart when one of the dogs walked by with the ducks head in its mouth. Absolutely disgusting."

Another woman added: "This has sickened me. I own a husky myself and this kind of behaviour is going to have people thinking bad of the breed This man shouldn’t be allowed to have pets."

Alan Rowley, who volunteers at Ford Green Nature Reserve,has taken it upon himself to put up signs to remind visitors to keep dogs on leads.

Ford Green Nature Reserve

He said: "There are acres of fields just beyond the lake for dogs to run in if they insist on letting them roam free.

"I've pleaded for people to keep their dogs on a lead around the lake many times. Only this week I posted about ducks going missing all of a sudden.

"Most dog owners are responsible, it's the very few irresponsible ones that give everybody a bad name."

Dog owners have a legal responsibility under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to keep their dog under control in a public place.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We are investigating reports of an incident at a lake in Ford Green Hall Park in which some ducks were attacked by a number of dogs. Sadly it appears one of the ducks was killed. As an investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.”

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