An American bulldog that killed a family’s beloved Alsation has been deemed no risk to the public after a visit by an animal expert.

Police acted when a County Durham dad complained after his German Shepherd had to be put down following an incident in Chester-le-Street on July 26. 

Paul Haworth said his pet, Max had been attacked by the large ginger dog.

Max initially managed to survive the incident in the town’s Cong Burn, but was later put down due to the severity of the wounds inflicted.

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Durham Police officers, accompanied by a behaviourist, visited the offending dog and its owner at home in Tyneside.

Following the visit, the force confirmed that they were satisfied the dog "posed no risk to the wider public".

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A Durham Police spokesperson said: “The incident, which occurred when both dogs were off the lead, was reported to police by both dog walkers on the day it happened.

“One of the dog walkers, a woman, suffered hand injuries as she tried to separate the two animals.

“Officers, accompanied by a behaviourist, visited the dog and its owner at home in the Tyneside area and were satisfied the dog posed no risk to the wider public.

“The investigation into this incident is now complete and has been dealt with by means of community resolution, which has been agreed by both parties.”

Mr Haworth said previously told The Northern Echo how he had demanded action from the force after his pet died.

The 32-year-old previously said: “The police have confirmed to me that the woman walking the dog at the time has come forward.

“She was not the owner, who was apparently not aware that she was walking the dog."

“I feel confident the measures police have put in place will prevent an attack from occurring again, and feel I can take kids my down to Cong Burn again."

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