DOG-owners are warned to keep their pets under control after concerns were raised over attacks on wildlife in a Blackburn park.

Council bosses issued the warning after animal-lover Emma Bolton said she had seen one person allowing her dog to attack rabbits and squirrels in Witton Park.

She also said she had received reports of people poisoning wildlife, and digging out rabbit holes so their dogs could kill the animals.

As well as reporting the alleged offences to Blackburn with Darwen council, she has spoken to police and the RSPCA.

Police said they had responded by carrying out extra patrols in the park but that they had not witnessed any offences take place.

Without seeing an offence committed or hard evidence such as photographs, officers are unable to take action.

Similarly, the RSPCA is powerless to bring any prosecution unless an offence has been detected.

Now town hall chiefs have asked staff and park-users to report any suspicious activity, and dog-owners to be responsible when visiting the green space.

Coun Faryad Hussain, executive member for environmental improvement and sustainability, said: "Following complaints about this despicable type of behaviour council staff have worked with the police to address the issue.

"Staff have been asked to be vigilant and report to police anything suspicious that is taking place and we would encourage visitors to the park to do the same.

"People must realise that they have to take responsibility for the behaviour of their pets and keep them under control at all times.

"Letting a dog attack defenceless wildlife is disgusting and I would like to condemn such acts in the strongest terms.”