AN anomaly in the law means a man whose dangerous dog is reported to have killed at least two family pet cats will go unpunished.

Residents in Stifford Clays and North Stifford have taken to social media to tell of the problems associated with a large dog which is regularly walked in the area off its lease – and its owner has admitted to the death of one family pet cat but shrugged off the incident, saying: "He (the dog) clearly sees cats no different to squirrels or rabbits."

Last year angry cat owner Julie Bodell-Edwards from North Stifford contacted the police after a large poodle entered her garden and attacked her pet cat Lola which was dozing in the sunshine. The attack was so savage the cat died almost instantly.

Mrs Bodell-Edwards took to social media to warn neighbours about the incident and posted pictured of the dog and its owner.

She also contacted police who initially investigated but, to her shock, they said there was nothing they could do.

The man belatedly contacted Mrs Bodell-Edwards and apologised, but seemed unconcerned that his dog appears to have a penchant for killing animals.

Despite having entered the garden where the killing took place, he also suggested that he did not know the cat belonged to that household – nor did he attempt to check.

He said: "I cannot apologise enough for my stupid momentary lack of control over my dog which led to the actions of him that followed.

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"I'm glad you reached out to Facebook, as I would not have known she was yours or the unfortunate extent of my actions. As you have noticed my other dog was on the lead and I was making every effort to regain control ASAP, I had run from the woodlands way over the back. Neither of them are ever off lead residentially.

"In this case one of them was, but it was no way intentional or a regular occurrence. I've walked by your house 100s times without incident.

"There are things that I could have done, should have done and will do following this incident, namely a muzzle. Obviously he can't be trusted off lead near residential areas and putting him in behavioural training classes are a must.

"He clearly sees cats no different to squirrels or rabbits, but I believe you fully understand his instinctual actions.

"This was an unquestionable, irresponsible moment of misjudgment and neglect on my part. I don't consider myself a bad guy in general outside of this incident and many dog owners in my area who know me can confirm that my dogs are always on the lead residentially.

"I totally understand your pain and anger towards me and am willing to work with you any way I can to help you through this period. My apologies will never replace what my actions have taken from you, I know, but I truly am sorry."

However, his remorse did not appear to last long and his dog has been reported off the leash in other areas of Grays on the Avenues estate and Blackshots.

And last week another cat was killed, leaving a family in distress.

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Again the cat's owner took to social media to tell what had happened, saying: "This has happened twice now and I believe other incidents too. This dog was foaming at the mouth, not playing. It could be a young child next so we will do everything possible to ensure the dogs are ceased.

"We never believe in any animal being destroyed unnecessarily as ultimately the fault lies with the owner! But this cannot be allowed to continue from this man and his dogs."

However, it appears the law cannot help the aggrieved pet owners nor can police prevent another attack.

Thurrock Nub News has contacted Essex Police about the incidents and the general concern and fear of public in the area.

The force would not comment on the specific cat deaths we raised with them but we were told: "We understand it is distressing when any animal is injured or killed.

"However the legislation to deal with dogs considered to be dangerous refers to specific animals, but does not include cats.

"The Dangerous Dogs Act states a dog is regarded as dangerously out of control on any occasion on which there are grounds for reasonable apprehension that it will injure any person or assistance dog, whether or not it actually does so.

"There is also an offence under Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953) if a dog worries livestock on any agricultural land.

"However, if a person believes they would have been injured if they tried to stop a dog attacking their animal, an offence may have been committed."

More information on the legislation can be found here. and here.