A VICAR who hit national headlines last year is in hot water again after his dog allegedly attacked another dog at his Wiltshire vicarage.
Frightened parishioners in the village of North Bradley have complained to the Diocese of Salisbury and Wiltshire Council about the pair of aggressive dogs kept by Father Oliver Learmont.
The local authority is also investigating several complaints about the vicar's Romanian rescue dogs, in particular a large crossbreed known locally as ‘Horrible Hector’.
They say the vicar of North Bradley, Southwick, Heywood and Steeple Ashton, is failing to keep his dogs under proper control and has been told to keep the larger dog muzzled and tethered.
It comes after part of Father Learmont's congregation failed in their attempt to oust him from his job in May 2023.
Wiltshire Council says it is investigating an incident last Tuesday when ‘Horrible Hector’ allegedly attacked another dog being walked by an elderly woman.
Her dog, believed to be a pug, was rushed to Vets for Pets in Trowbridge before being transferred to a specialised veterinary practice for emergency surgery, according to the owner.
A resident who said he lives opposite Father Learmont, said: “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 dog’s life which needed surgery.
“As I understand it, a local dog warden has requested he keep the dog tied up in his garden and muzzled when walked in the village. This does not happen.
“For years the neighbours have put up with his aggressive barking dogs which can be heard every time someone walks past.
“I have spoken to the vicar about his aggressive dogs multiple times in the past and suggested they need training but for this attack to happen and no one take responsibility is outrageous and unacceptable, let alone a vicar who would supposedly be of high moral 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, said: "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 a further complaint received about a dog being attacked in North Bradley in the week commencing 22 January 2024. We take these matters very seriously and the complaint is currently 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’ at their Parochial Church Council AGM, 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.
But since then he has been put on sick leave since the end of September.
“The Bishop of Salisbury, the Bishop of Ramsbury and the rural dean and the Archdeacon of Wiltshire have been supporting the parish in his absence, including taking services. Other retired clergy are also supporting the churches," said a spokesman for the Diocese of Salisbury.
“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.”
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