A village council has issued an urgent warning following a “serious issue” at a children’s park, where the equipment has been used to “train fighting dogs”.
Sunninghill and Ascot Parish Council has urged residents to stay away from Blythewood play park, following damage to the swing sets which were only installed a couple of months ago.
Councillors said that if people spot any individuals partaking in unscrupulous behaviour they must not approach them.
Instead, they have urged locals to report any incidents to Thames Valley Police. In the meantime, the swing seats and chains will be removed in order to limit any further potential damage.
Councillors said that if people spot any individuals partaking in unscrupulous behaviour they must not approach them
Sunninghill and Ascot Parish Council
Taking to social media to share the news, the parish council said: “The parish council has encountered a serious issue at Blythewood playpark. Sadly, there has been considerable damage to the seats on the new swings that were installed only a couple of months ago.
“Shockingly, we are led to believe that it is likely this sort of damage has been caused by people using the equipment to train fighting dogs.
“Should you become aware of activities like this taking place in the area, please report it to the police straight away; under no circumstances should you approach those taking part in this activity yourself.”
They said that following advice, the play equipment will be removed and will not be replaced for a number of months. They apologised for any inconvenience caused.
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The swing sets which were only installed a couple of months agoSunninghill and Ascot Parish CouncilAllison Sharpe, Chairman of Sunninghill and Ascot Parish Council, told GB News: “This is a very disturbing situation and not something one would associate with Ascot and its local area.
“We will work closely with the Police and RSPCA to stop this criminal activity.”
GB News understands that the supplier of the swing is certain that the damage was likely caused by the training of fighting dogs.
The council is now hoping to install CCTV in the site before the swings are replaced.
The council is now hoping to install CCTV in the site before the swings are replaced
Wikimedia Commons
Figures released by the RSPCA in August show that dog fighting has increased in England by 35 per cent over the past four years.
Between 2020 and 2023, the charity has received a total of 1,734 reports of organised dog fighting in the country. Regional statistics indicate that the highest number of reports came from London (186), Greater Manchester (123), and the West Midlands (121).
RSPCA Special Operations Unit Chief Inspector Will Mitchell said: “Dog fighting is a draconian and barbaric bloodsport which many people believe society has left behind in history. Sadly though, the reality is that we continue to investigate cases today, involving sophisticated networks of people whose passion is breeding, training, arranging and fighting dogs.
“We see career criminals getting their kicks from watching dogs rip each other’s throats out and break each other’s legs. It’s shocking and there is absolutely no place for it in society today.”
GB News has contacted Thames Valley Police and the RSPCA for comment.