By JOEL SAWYER

THE owner of a Crufts contender has hit out over the state of a path in Latchford after her pooch picked up an injury which could have threatened his chances in the coveted competition.

Anne Heesom, of Pichael Nook, Latchford, claims that rubbish on a path down the side of Westy Hall has not been cleaned up since August of last year.

She was out taking two of her dogs, Elvis and Lulu, for a walk on the path last week when Elvis' paw was badly cut on broken glass.

The wound needed medical attention and left him with a bandaged paw just days before he was due to take part at Crufts.

As it turned out, the world-famous event was postponed because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Elvis' paw became infected and he needed a round of antibiotics. It is now a waiting game to see whether the boxer will be fit to take part in the competition.

Mrs Heesom, who has four boxer dogs Elvis, Lulu, Lincoln and Daisy said: "This is the second time it's happened.

"The rubbish is not being cleaned up. It's stacked up at each side of the path and has been there since November.

"Elvis has qualified for Crufts every year since he was a puppy.

"It has been rescheduled for the end of May now, which should be enough time to get him ready, depending on what the vets say."

A Warrington Borough Council spokesman said that because it is not local authority land, it would have to trace the owner and ask permission to clean it up.

As the Guardian went to press, the council was taking steps to do this.