Herts Police have defended their decision to shoot a dog dead after it caused “GBH-level injuries”.

A German shepherd attacked two people at Woodland Chase, by the canal path in Croxley Green at around 11.30am on Sunday (May 19).

Police attempts to contain it and trace the owners failed and firearms officers were then called. They were forced to shoot it “in order to protect the public and prevent further injuries”, the force said.

After footage of the dog seemingly staying in place while surrounded by police emerged yesterday (May 20), people questioned why such a response was needed and whether the situation could have been handled differently.

Some who said they witnessed the shooting claimed that the dog had been on a chain attached to a canal boat when officers arrived, but Herts Police have denied this.

There was also concern over how many times the dog was shot, with more than one person claiming it was six. The video appears to capture four, with someone heard saying "three" and "four" after the first audible ones - suggesting there were more.

This afternoon, Sergeant Michael Branson said: “We understand that this incident has caused distress, and we want to reassure the public that all protocols were followed.

Watford Observer: Still from a video taken at the scene.Still from a video taken at the scene. (Image: Contribution)

“The actions that were taken are always a last resort in these situations but unfortunately they were necessary in order to protect the public and officers at scene.

“At the time of our arrival on the scene, the dog was untethered and two people had been injured with both requiring hospital treatment and one for GBH-level injuries.

“Our priority was to ensure that no further harm came to other people in the area.”

The East of England Ambulance Service has confirmed it sent an ambulance to the scene and treated a patient who had sustained wounds to her leg and forearm.

Watford Observer: Still from a video taken at the scene.Still from a video taken at the scene. (Image: Contribution)

She was transported to Watford General Hospital for further treatment.

Herts Police were able to locate the German shepherd’s owner after the attack.

The force spokesperson confirmed a man in his 40s was given a conditional caution after being arrested on suspicion of a public order offence.