The owner of a pack of dogs which attacked a woman and her pet was given a caution because he “risked injury to himself” by trying to restrain his pets during the incident, it has been revealed.

In a letter to MP Eleanor Laing, seen by the Guardian, Chief Inspector Tracey Harman explained the decision taken by the Crown Prosecution Service following the attack in Gunpowder Park on October 1.

Laura Curd, 44, and her dog Willow were left traumatised after being set upon by five Staffordshire Bull Terriers which were being walked without collars or leads.

This month, the police told Mrs Curd, from Sewardstone, that the owner of the dogs had been given a police caution and that the matter would not go to court.

In the letter Chief Insp Harman wrote: “The owner of the dog is to receive a caution and will compensate your constituent who has had to pay an insurance excess.

“This was felt proportionate by the CPS who agreed the owner tried to intervene risking injury to him(self), reported the matter to police him(self) and has offered to pay the excess.”

There is no mention in the letter of restrictions placed on the animals.

Mrs Curd was bitten by one of the animals and her dog underwent a long operation, costing £3000.

David Curd and his wife Laura say that they are “appalled” by the decision and disappointed  in the police. who they say did not contact them for weeks or “seem interested” in their ordeal.