Dogs die in drainage pond

Worried pet owners and neighbours have been contacting the Observer to warn of potential danger to animals and even children who might fall in and be unable to scramble back out.

Among them was Charles King of Ocklynge Close who lost his beloved cocker spaniel on April 31.

Since that tragedy, bright orange fencing has been erected by the council but at the time no such precaution was in place according to park users.

Charles, 81 and using a mobility scooter, claims he saw no reason for concern when he let his dog Katie off the lead.

He watched as he chatted to another park visitor and saw her running along the ditch left by drainage workers.

Katie was 13 years old and had partial sight and partial hearing but was a fit and active pet.

This was the last time Charles saw her alive - an hour later Katie was found floating in the water by a stranger who stepped in to help and was able to haul the dog's body up the earth bank using an iron stake from the work site.

Charles remains devastated but is determined other owners know to keep their dogs safe.

He commented: "I have been down there and stopped people with dogs off the lead and told them what happened.

"I also made a notice saying two ponds are there, but hidden from view, and that my dog was drowned in one of them.

"Now the council has put fencing up but it was not there before. All there was were two strands of barbed wire, one at about four feet and the other two feet high.

He added: "I am gutted."

Rother District Council head of amenities Madeleine Gorman said: "The drainage works at Broad Oak Park are secured with fencing and numerous warning signs advising dog walkers to keep their dogs on leads in these areas. The presence of horses and sheep in the same field means that the works contractors have been very careful to ensure that animals cannot easily access areas that would be dangerous.

"Sadly, a dog that was not under the control of its owner entered the one of the main work areas, where a deep pond has been excavated. We understand that the dog gained access to the area under the fence.

"The works do not pose a threat to the public but parents are advised to keep control of young children when walking near the works areas."