A 77-year-old retired veterinarian from Little Packington, Warwickshire, England died after being attacked by a pack of seven dogs, including several large Bernese Mountain dogs, in his garden on November 25, 2023.
Warwickshire Police have confirmed the cause of Antony Harrington’s death as several bite injuries, following initial uncertainty about whether he died before receiving the bites. The victim suffered a heart attack during the incident. The attack described by sources as vicious, left remnants of Harrington’s clothing scattered across the garden, illustrating the severity of the mauling.
A 75-year-old woman, who was reportedly caring for Harrington post-knee surgery and six of whose dogs were involved in the incident, has been arrested on suspicion of owning a dog dangerously out of control. She has been released on bail pending further investigation. While the dogs primarily belonged to the woman, a friend of Harrington who lived with him at the time, Harrington himself was a known animal lover, owning a large black terrier that was reportedly part of the pack.
The reason behind the dogs’ sudden and fatal aggression towards Harrington remains unknown, leaving his family and the community in search of answers.
This incident adds a personal narrative to the broader issue of dog attacks in the UK, which have seen a significant increase. Police recorded over 30,000 incidents of dogs injuring people or guide dogs last year, marking a 20% increase from 2022.
Harrington, who led a distinguished career as a vet, running The Lodge Veterinary Surgery in Birmingham’s Hodge Hill with his late wife Louise until their retirement, was also an avid steam locomotive enthusiast. He contributed to the restoration of a 1914 traction engine, a project that continues to honor his memory.
In tribute to Harrington, the National Traction Engine Trust acknowledged his passion and contributions to the preservation of steam locomotive heritage on social media, underscoring the community’s loss. The police statement provided by Warwickshire Police detailed the immediate response by paramedics to the scene, where Harrington was declared dead due to the injuries sustained in the attack.
The incident coincides with a nationwide scrutiny of dog ownership and control in the UK, spotlighting the recent legislation banning the breeding of XL Bullies. The ban followed a series of fatal dog attacks attributed to the breed, pushing for stricter regulations on dog ownership and public safety measures. Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of the law remains challenged by ongoing incidents of dog-related violence, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of such aggression.
As investigations continue, Harrington’s family awaits clarity on the circumstances that led to this devastating incident, hoping for closure and measures to prevent similar occurrences.