Vicar’s canine ‘Horrible Hector’ accused of biting pug – leaving proprietor the £7k invoice

A pensioner claims to have been left with a £7,000 invoice after her native vicar’s canine ‘Horrible Hector’ was accused of biting her pug close to the vicarage.

Locals declare that Father Oliver Learmont’s pet attacked the girl’s canine outdoors his gate, pulling her off her toes. Frightened parishioners within the Wiltshire village of North Bradley have now complained to the Diocese of Salisbury and Wiltshire Council about his pair of “aggressive” canines.

They declare the vicar is failing to maintain his canines underneath correct management whereas the native authority can also be investigating stories concerning the vicar’s Romanian rescue canines – specifically a big crossbreed recognized domestically as ‘Horrible Hector’.

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Wiltshire Council stated it was investigating an incident final Tuesday when ‘Horrible Hector’ allegedly attacked one other canine being walked by an aged girl. Her canine, believed to be a pug, was rushed to Vets for Pets in Trowbridge earlier than being transferred to a specialised follow for emergency surgical procedure, in accordance with the proprietor.

One resident, who stated he lives reverse Father Learmont, stated: “A few days ago one of his dogs attacked another dog which was being walked past his gate, dragging it underneath into his garden and pulling the elderly lady walking the dog off her feet.

“Quick actions of a passerby saved the canine’s life which wanted surgical procedure. As I perceive it, a neighborhood canine warden has requested he maintain the canine tied up in his backyard and muzzled when walked within the village. This doesn’t occur.

“For years the neighbours have put up with his aggressive barking dogs which can be heard every time someone walks past.

“I’ve spoken to the vicar about his aggressive canines a number of instances previously and advised they want coaching however for this assault to occur and nobody take duty is outrageous and unacceptable, not to mention a vicar who would supposedly be of excessive ethical standing.

“It leaves both the elderly lady and her dog traumatised as well as £7,000 out of pocket in vets bills.”

Cllr Nick Holder, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection, stated: “We received three complaints stating that these dogs were acting aggressively in January 2022. Advice was given by the dog warden for the dogs to be kept under control and muzzled when in public.

“There has been an additional grievance acquired a couple of canine being attacked in North Bradley within the week commencing 22 January 2024. We take these issues very critically and the grievance is presently being investigated.”

Father Learmont, 62, received national attention in May last year after refusing to be ousted by his unhappy congregation, having been appointed by the Bishop of Salisbury in 2018.

More than 40 parishioners in Steeple Ashton subjected him to a vote of ‘no confidence’ demanding he leave the parish, but Father Learmont refused to leave – saying he was being guided by the Holy Spirit and would not respond to ultimatums.

He was put on sick leave since the end of September.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Salisbury said: “The Bishop of Salisbury, the Bishop of Ramsbury and the agricultural dean and the Archdeacon of Wiltshire have been supporting the parish in his absence, together with taking providers.

“Other retired clergy are also supporting the churches. The situation is complex but it is being addressed and the PCC is being kept informed. We are aware that many people are frustrated with the situation, but it is important that the right procedures are followed.”

The vicar has been approached for a remark.

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