UNITED KINGDOM -- The owner of a dog that savaged an elderly woman’s loving pet in a park is being searched for by police.
The 63-year-old woman, who was too scared to be named, was taking a stroll in Sir Francis Barker recreation ground in Leatherhead Road, Chessington, when her King Charles spaniel was set upon by a large white dog.
The four-year-old pet was reportedly pinned to the ground by the other dog, thought to be a pit bull, which “took a chunk” out of the animal’s back and left a “big hole”.
The widower tried to save her dog from the brutal attack after the owner, who had not muzzled or put a lead on the dog, failed to intervene.
The attack left the Chessington resident with minor cuts on her hands and needing a tetanus injection, while her traumatised dog was taken to the vet for stitches.
She said: “I have seen this guy with his dog before and recognised the dog, a pit bull type dog that was not muzzled, so I decided to turn and leave but it came running towards us and then lunged.
“I was screaming at the man, begging him to get the dog off, but for at least two minutes he did nothing.
“I tried to stop the dog but you never know if it is going to turn on you, it was really scary.”
An RSPCA spokeswoman said the responsibility was with dog owners rather than the animals themselves.
She said: “We cannot comment on this particular attack as we do not have all the information. It may have been a one-off incident, but unfortunately we have seen a rise in the number of injuries caused to pets by other dogs.
“Our animal centres have huge numbers of bull breeds, young and old, looking for new homes, after they have been abandoned by their owners or signed over to the RSPCA.
“With good owners, dogs such as Staffordshire bull-terriers and staffie crosses make placid, faithful companions.
“The RSPCA will continue to lobby the Government to reconsider the current dog legislation to reflect this.”
Kingston safer neighbourhood team are looking for a slim man in his early 40s and have advised pet owners to be wary of the dog as it may attack again.
If you have any information call police on 0300 1231212.
(Kingston Guardian - Oct 24, 2011)
