Ipswich woman Joanne Robinson tells how loss of XL Bully Rocco, shot by police in Orwell Country Park, was like losing a family member

A woman whose dog was shot by police after it bit two people and attacked another dog has spoken of her trauma.

Joanne Robinson, 48 of Ipswich, was walking her dog, Rocco, at Nacton Shores along the River Orwell on Tuesday night when an incident occured.

Police received a number of reports that a dog was out of control, had bitten two people and attacked another dog.

A number of police units, including the Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team and a dog handler, descended on Orwell Country Park at 7.20pm.

A spokesman for Suffolk Police said when they arrived, they found the dog in extreme distress – and they were unable to bring it under control.

Chief Superintendent Alice Scott said it was deemed necessary to put Rocco down to ‘protect anyone else from being harmed and to prevent further suffering of the dog’.

Ms Robinson said Rocco was a one-year-old XL Bully.

The mum-of-two said: “I saw six armed police officers enter the beach, where we were, through the woods and they pointed guns at Rocco while a man restrained him.

“I begged them not to shoot, and everyone in the areas was told to get back. The situation was so stressful I had to turn away.

“It was then I heard a gunshot, I started screaming, and officers confirmed my dog was dead.

“That dog was my life – he was my baby. I’m distraught. I always took steps to keep him safe, and I always kept him on a lead as I know what the breed can be like. He lived with another dog and was fine around children. It feels like we’ve lost a member of the family. It feels like I’ve lost a child.”

Ms Robinson said Rocco was on a lead at the time, but wriggled free to chase after a female dog after ‘he caught her scent’.

Her owners got the dogs free, but were injured in the process, she said. Police also said the other dog – also an XL Bully – was hurt.

Ms Robinson was requested to attend Martlesham Police Investigation Centre yesterday afternoon voluntarily and was interviewed under caution.

Inquires are ongoing.

Ms Robinson owns another dog, a rescue Labrador named Mylo. The pair were described as best friends.

She said she may lodge a complaint to the police over the incident.

According to her social media, she also plans to hold a memorial day/peaceful protest for Rocco.

Ms Robinson added: “Rocco didn’t deserve this. I’m traumatised by what I saw. Both my sons, my partner and my neighbours are heartbroken by what happened.

“I’ve been sent flowers and cards paying respect. Everyone I know loved Rocco.”

On Tuesday, Ms Scott said: “We understand that this was a highly emotive incident for all those involved – not just those who were attacked and the dog’s owners, but also our officers.

“This was not an action that was taken lightly but was deemed necessary to protect anyone else from being harmed and to prevent further suffering of the dog. Two members of the public have been taken to hospital for treatment to their injuries. The other dog involved also sustained injuries.

“Officers will be conducting additional patrols in the area and members of the public with any concerns about this incident are encouraged to speak to them.”