Retired woman 'living in fear' after 'dangerous dog' killed her beloved pet

The 75-year-old, who wishes to remain anonymous, said that she and her pets have been the victim of attacks from the dog on multiple occasions.

Living on Sunningdale Grove in Higher Folds, which leads onto Lilford Park, she said that one incident left her in A&E with "seven puncture wounds" on her wrists and hands.

Another "would have killed" her pet chihuahua if the Alsatian's owner did not pull it off, she added, after it had escaped its front garden gates.

Tilly the Cairn Terrier died after the "vicious" dog attack

In late July, the Alsatian is said to have again burst through the woman's front gates and sank its teeth into her 12-year-old Cairn Terrier, Tilly.

The woman said: "The dog viciously attacked Tilly and threw her up into the air, ripping through her stomach and puncturing her abdomen."

After rushing Tilly to the vet, a drain was placed on her stomach to try and save her.

However, after "losing a lot of blood", the trusted 12-year-old died three days later.

The attack punctured Tilly's stomach and abdomen

Wishing to raise awareness of dangerous dogs in the community, the woman added: "Tilly was a beautiful dog who loved everybody, but she died in agony.

"I want to warn other people about dangerous dogs and for owners to be vigilant because I think this dog will kill again.

"I live in fear of this dog coming to kill my other little dog and attacking me again."

The attacks are said to have happened on Sunningdale Grove in Higher Folds

The woman added that she had reported the incident to the police, but they "couldn't do anything" with dog-on-dog attacks.

At present, the Dangerous Dog Act (1991) makes it illegal for a dog to be “out of control” or to bite or attack a person.

However, it is not an offence if a dog attacks another dog - unless this is an assistance dog (such as a guide dog).

The owner of the Alsatian is said to have paid for the woman's vet fees after an insurance claim was made against them.