Woman arrested after retired vet ‘was mauled to death by seven dogs in garden’

A woman has been arrested after a retired vet was allegedly mauled to death by a dog in his garden.

Antony ‘Tony’ Harrington, 77, was found unconscious by paramedics at his home in the village of Meriden, Warwickshire, and Warwickshire Police said he died from a bite wound.

Police seized seven dogs from the scene in Packington Lane on the evening of November 25 last year and a 75-year-old woman was arrested and released on bail while the investigation is ongoing.

The father-of-three suffered a cardiac arrest when West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) arrived at the scene at around 6pm but was unable to do anything.

A source told The Sun that Mr Harrington “loved” animals and one of the seven pets that caused his death was his own, while the others are believed to have been owned by a friend.

A source said: “What happened was horrific and no one knows why the dog attacked him.

“He was found in the garden with pieces of his clothing scattered on the grass.

“His family are distraught and hope the investigation will help them understand what happened.”

A spokesman for Warwickshire Police said: “At 6.04pm on 25 November 2023, paramedics contacted police to advise them that a man had suffered a cardiac arrest at a house in Packington Lane, Meriden.

“The man, aged in his 70s, was pronounced dead at the scene. He had been bitten and was found to have been the cause of death.

“The investigation is ongoing.

“Seven dogs were seized at the scene and a 75-year-old woman from the Coleshill area was arrested on suspicion of possessing a dangerous out-of-control dog.

“She has since been released on bail and inquiries continue.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service said in a statement: “We received reports of an unconscious patient in the garden of a property in Parkton Lane, Meriden.

“Two ambulances, a paramedic and the Air Ambulance Service critical care vehicle were dispatched to the scene.

“Unfortunately when we arrived we immediately discovered that nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

Mr Harrington is believed to have purchased The Lodge Veterinary Center near Birmingham in 1980 with his late wife Louise, but both have since retired from full-time veterinary practice.

Mr. Harrington is a traction engine enthusiast and attends local events using the Wallis & Steevens 7248 engine Pedler he owns.

Ahead of Mr Harrington’s funeral in Coleshill on March 4, the National Traction Engine Trust posted a tribute on Facebook, Harrington Mr Harrington, who has been a member for more than 25 years, said: “We were deeply saddened by the news of Tony Harrington’s death last year.”

“Tony is the owner of Wallis & Steevens 7248 ‘Pedler’ and supports the trust on our annual driver training courses. In recent years Tony has assisted the trust at NEC shows and in 2019 he brought a Pedler.

“Tony has owned the Pedler since 2007 and in that time has become known for his appearances at local celebrations, fundraisers and the wider rally.”