Dogs ‘humanely destroyed’ after fatal garden attack on great-grandmother Lucille Downer

Two dogs have been “humanely destroyed” after killing a great-grandmother in a sustained garden attack.
By Josh Payne, PA
Published 4th Apr 2021, 18:48 BST
Lucille Downer, who was killed in a sustained attack by two dogs in her garden on SaturdayLucille Downer, who was killed in a sustained attack by two dogs in her garden on Saturday
Lucille Downer, who was killed in a sustained attack by two dogs in her garden on Saturday

Lucille Downer, 85, suffered multiple injuries in the horrific incident on Friday afternoon in Boundary Avenue, Rowley Regis.

West Midlands Police said the ownership of the dogs had been voluntarily transferred to police and they were put down as they could “never be rehomed”.

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The animals were initially tranquilised and taken to a nearby kennels.

Police said further analysis will be undertaken to determine their breed.

The owner of the two dogs, a 43-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of being the person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing death.

He has been released on conditional bail pending further inquiries.

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Police said the animals had escaped a neighbouring property through a hole in the fence before the attack.

Ms Downer’s family said they will “miss her dearly” after she was pronounced dead shortly after the arrival of emergency services.

In a statement, the force said: “The ownership of the dogs was voluntarily transferred to police.

“Following specialist advice it was established the dogs could never be rehomed due to the violent act and should be humanely destroyed.

“This has happened although further analysis will take place to determine what breed they were.”

Related topics:Police