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| RIP Charlie |
Kate Nutbourne, 19, was walking her cockerpoo Charlie — a cocker poodle cross — along Appley Beach, Ryde, on Wednesday afternoon, when it was attacked and killed by a two-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier.
Kate, who lives in Ryde, said: "My mum and I were walking Charlie when we were approached by two men, who had three dogs between them. One of the men had a very large, muscular Staffie, which started being quite rough with Charlie.
"As we were walking away it bounded over, grabbed Charlie in its jaws and started shaking him like a rabbit. My mum was shouting and trying to get the dog off Charlie and I was just screaming and screaming. It was terrifying.
"It only lasted about a minute. As soon as Charlie stopped moving, the dog just dropped him and walked off."
Charlie's fatal injuries included a crushed skull and and broken neck. Although Kate and her mum, Brenda Nutbourne, rushed him to a vet, his heart had stopped by the time they arrived.
Kate, who said she was 'completely devastated' by Charlie's death, is now demanding the police take action against the owner of the Staffordshire bull terrier. She has also set up a Facebook page, Justice for Charlie the Puppy.
"I'm furious this dog is still allowed out, off the lead, and could hurt other dogs or even children," she said.
Police are investigating the attack and have urged witnesses to get in touch, by calling PC Richard Veitch, at Shanklin Police Station, on 101.
Information can also be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A spokesman said officers were taking statements from the owners of the dogs to see if any criminal offences had been committed under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
(Isle of Wight - Jan 13, 2012)
