Beverley Beard was distraught after 13-year-old Yorkshire terrier [named] 'Boston' was mauled to death in Southglade Park, Top Valley.
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| Beverley Beard with her three Yorkshire terriers Misty, Sasha and Benji. A fourth, Boston, was put down after being savaged by a Staffordshire bull terrier. |
She said a dog warden told her it was unlikely a prosecution would be brought against the owner of the other dog because it had not attacked a human.
Notts Police say they will investigate the case.
Ms Beard, of Ridgeway Walk, Top Valley, was walking 'Boston' in the park when the bull terrier, which was not on a lead, attacked.
"It grabbed him by the back and wouldn't let go," said Ms Beard, 47. "The owners tried once to stop him. People were shouting at him. When it let go, they just walked off with the dog. They didn't ask how I was or how he was.
"He was literally ripped to pieces. I took him to the vet and two people who helped me were basically holding him together."
Ms Beard said that Boston was "barely alive" when she took him to the Vets 4 Pets centre in Bulwell and he had to be put down.
"It is so upsetting and traumatic," said Ms Beard, who has four other dogs. "I am on medication at the moment. These are not just dogs, these are my babies. They are part of my family.
"I have got a lot of friends who walk their dogs on that field and we shouldn't be at risk. They are dangerous dogs and a little Yorkshire terrier is no match."
The Staffordshire bull terrier was put down after the attack on May 26, but Ms Beard said she also wanted to see the owner prosecuted.
"They are dangerous dogs and I think that owners need to pay for what their dogs have done.
"I was told by the dog warden that it was unusual to see dog owners prosecuted for this type of offence. They said in their experience it was unlikely any action would be taken."
She added: "People should be safe to walk their dogs and there are so many young lads with these dangerous dogs."
Police told the Post they were investigating.
A spokesman said: "We assess every case on its merits. If we can identify the owners of the animals involved, we will speak to them and make a decision, in consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, to determine whether it is appropriate to bring a prosecution."
Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, it is an offence to allow a dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place.
A dog is deemed to be dangerously out of control if it injures a person or behaves in a way that makes a person fear they could be injured.
It is also an offence if the dog injures another animal, or causes someone to fear for the safety of their pet.
Anyone found guilty of an offence under the act might face prison or a fine, and the courts could disqualify them from owning a dog.
In addition, the ownership of certain types of dog is prohibited. The four banned types are the pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brasileiro.
(This is Nottingham - June 25, 2012)
