Retired vet found dead in garden was attacked by seven dogs

A RETIRED vet found dead in his garden had been bitten by seven dogs.

Antony Harrington was attacked by the pack, said to include several large Bernese mountain dogs and his black Russian terrier.

The widower, 77, suffered a suspected cardiac arrest and was declared dead at the scene.

Police have now established that he died as a result of the bite injuries.

A source said: “Tony always loved animals and had a huge black terrier of his own.

"The dogs, which police seized, included his own pet and six which were owned by a friend living with Tony at the time.

“What happened is horrific — no one knows why the dogs attacked him.

“He was found in the garden and bits of his clothes had been scattered around the grass.

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

A woman, 75, has been arrested on suspicion of owning a dog dangerously out of control and bailed.

Dad-of-three Tony, ran a veterinary surgery in Birmingham with late wife Louise from 1980 until they both retired.

He was also a steam locomotive fan and helped to restore a 1914 engine.

He died in Little Packington, Warks, in November.

His funeral was held in Coleshill last month.