THE death of a chihuahua mauled by what is believed to be a Staffordshire bull terrier is horrific on many levels, especially when you contemplate this happened in the middle of Witney.

Reports of similar attacks are becoming more frequent nationally and locally.

This incident did not take place on a bit of waste ground where some toerag thought they could act the big man.

This was on Church Green at 4.30pm on a Monday, a place where families congregate, children play and locals relax. While it can be argued that all dogs have the potential for attack and aggression, one cannot deny that powerful bull terrier-types should not be left under the control of ‘children’ in public places.

It could also be argued that dogs of this nature should be muzzled and kept on their leads.

What if this Staffie had gone after a child?

The whole incident once again raises the question about why there is no compulsory dog licensing in this country and why dog owners don’t have to pass some competency test.

Other countries do and, while it would not be a cure-all, licensing of dogs or their owners might stop some of these incidents.