The owners of a cavapoo which was mauled in a vicious dog attack say they have been “massively let down” by police.

Officers said on Thursday that the two dogs which attacked two-year-old Hugo would “not be seized at this stage”.

The horrific mauling happened in Eaton Place, Kemp Town, Brighton, on Wednesday morning as the cavapoo was being walked on a lead. Hugo needed six hours of surgery and is still at the vets.

Hugo's owner Louise, who has asked not to be fully named, said she was “astonished” by the police decision.

“I’m feeling desperately frustrated by the police’s decision,” she said.

Louise and her partner said they were told that the incident was being treated as a “one-off”.

Because the dogs are not a banned breed, the police said they are not able to seize them without sufficient evidence. This includes whether the animals have a history of violence.

The Argus: Hugo, a two-and-a-half-year-old cavapoo, remains at the vets where he was taken after the attackHugo, a two-and-a-half-year-old cavapoo, remains at the vets where he was taken after the attack (Image: Louise)

Louise’s partner said: “I am a huge dog lover and I grew up with an alsatian.

“I am very pro large dogs and have total faith in all dogs being able to be well behaved and safe if treated and brought up correctly.

“But the dogs which attacked Hugo acted dangerously.

“They did not stop until they thought Hugo was dead. Witnesses thought he was dead, his body looked lifeless.

“Of course, it is awful that Hugo was hurt but what is even worse is that Louise was bitten too. We have been massively let down by the police.”

Builders working nearby rushed to Hugo's aid and bystanders said they had to beat the bigger dogs with a baseball bat to get them off him.

Louise, who fainted, was taken to the nearby Royal Sussex County Hospital, where she needed seven stitches to her wounded arm, antibiotics and a tetanus jab. 

The Argus: Louise was bitten by one of the dogs and needed seven stitches in her armLouise was bitten by one of the dogs and needed seven stitches in her arm (Image: Louise)

It is against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere, such as:

  • in a public place
  • in a private place, for example a neighbour’s house or garden
  • in the owner’s home.

The law applies to all dogs. You can report a dog that is out of control to the council dog warden or police.

Out of control

Your dog is considered dangerously out of control if it:

  • injures someone
  • makes someone worried that it might injure them.

Penalties

You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months (or both) if your dog is dangerously out of control. You may not be allowed to own a dog in the future and your dog may be destroyed.

If you let your dog injure someone you can be sent to prison for up to five years or fined (or both).

The Argus: Louise with HugoLouise with Hugo (Image: Louise)

PC Darren Penter, of Brighton Police, said: “We recognise this was a distressing incident for those involved and the wider community.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “An initial assessment of the dogs has been made and the decision has been taken not to seize them at this stage.

“The dogs are not banned breeds and are with their owners.

"However as part of the investigation measures that could be put in place to prevent any further incidents will be considered.

“We have stayed in daily contact with the owners and the victim to keep them updated.

“As this is an ongoing investigation we are unable to give any more information at this time.

“We are continuing to appeal for anyone with information or footage of the incident to report it online or call 101, quoting serial 256 of 04/01.”