DOG owners in Kendal have reported that their pets have been attacked on a field known to be a favourite spot for walkers.

This week, one man was eager to locate the owners of a grey XL bully dog that he said was being walked off a lead at Big Rock Field close to the new Briarigg housing development. 

The man reported that his 75 year-old-mum was walking her Labrador, which is well-behaved and placid in temperament, when they were both set upon by the dog. 

Both were said to be shaken and scared by the incident however he was keen to speak to the owners as he alleges they could not recall the dog and fears there may be a more serious incident in the future.

Another man has come forward to say he no longer walks his dog there after his pet was attacked in the same place in July by what he believes may be the same dog.

The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "It happened at Big Rock field just east of the railway line. A large, dark grey XL bully-type dog ran a long way across the field and jumped on our dog and was snarling etc.

"Both my partner and our dog were shaken up as the owners couldn't recall the dog. We don't walk there anymore as a result.

"We didn't report our incident to the police and I wouldn't like to be dragged into the wider debate around dangerous breeds, but our view is if any dog is off the lead, it should have good recall and not bother other dogs who are on leads as they could be nervous like ours is.

"It's a shame because it's a great place to dog walk."

There has been much controversy following the announcement of new rules were announced making it illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, rehome, abandon or allow XL bully dogs to stray in England and Wales.

These are due to come into force on December 31.

It will also be illegal to own an XL bully from February 1 2024 unless the animal is on an exempt list, called the Index of Exempted Dogs.

Those who want to keep their dogs will have until the end of January to register them with the exempt list, with owners forced to comply with strict requirements.