Owner claims dogs frightened Yorkie to death

MALCOLM WATSON with Trixie, who survived the ordeal

A SHAW couple have been left heartbroken after a much loved miniature Yorkshire Terrier was frightened to death by two large dogs.

Malcolm Watson (59), from Otmoor Way, Royton, was out with his two dogs Tiger and Trixie on August 22.

While on a public footpath near Higginshaw Lane, he spotted a woman holding two large brown dogs by their collars.

After being told it was safe to pass them, he picked up Trixie and began to walk Tiger.

But as they started to move, the dogs lunged, causing Mr Watson to fall heavily on his chest.

He said: “They just launched themselves at us and dragged their owner like she wasn’t there.

“She smashed into me which knocked me off my feet and Trixie flew out of my arms and ran down the path.

“When I composed myself, I saw Tiger walk a bit then collapse and his breathing was laboured. We walked a little further and he collapsed again and I knew he was dying.”

The former council worker raced to the vets but Tiger died in his arms. He said the vet told him 14-year-old Tiger could have died from shock or a heart attack.

Mr Watson believes the dogs were Rhodesian Ridgebacks, which were originally bred for hunting. He said he would have reported the matter to the police but there were no witnesses.

He added: “It would take a strong, fully-grown man to hold them back. Although they did not bite Tiger, they should have been muzzled and on leads.

“We’ve had Tiger since he was 10-months-old and although he only weighed 6lbs, he was fit as a fiddle and wouldn’t have hurt a fly.

“I wish we could get hold of these people to tell them of the trouble they caused. If these dogs had run off, they could have savaged us to pieces.

“This has made both myself and partner, Jennifer Edgerton ill. It’s a nightmare.”

l Ms Edgerton runs a support group for bereaved pet owners and can be contacted on 07940-416 534.