Danger dog alert as pet is savaged

Memories . . . Barry and Margaret Pengelly with an on-screen picture of Bobby

AN alert has gone out to trace a mystery dog which fatally attacked a family pet near a school.

Teachers and 280 pupils at Springhead Community Infants’ School on Cooper Street have been warned to be vigilant since the attack near by which has left the pet’s pensioner owners traumatised.

The school issued a warning after the dog savaged a loveable Bichon Frise which had to be put down.

And Oldham council says it is making efforts to track down the stray attacker.

The drama began when 66-year-old Margaret Pengelly took her pet, Bobby, for a walk near her home at Dellhide Close, Springhead.

Still shaken by her ordeal, she said: “Bobby was on his lead when suddenly a large, fawn-coloured dog came from behind and grabbed him by the throat.

“I was terrified. It was throwing him round like a rag dog. I was powerless to intervene.

“Then the dog ran off. Bobby was in a terrible state.”

Her husband, Barry, also 66, a retired postman and former owner of Diggle chip shop, wrapped their 11-year-old pet in a blanket and they rushed to an emergency vet in Lees for treatment. Mr Pengelly said: “Bobby was in terrible agony. He was so badly injured the only humane action was to have him put to sleep.

“It was a devastating decision. Our whole family, including our two grandchildren, friends and neighbours are completely gutted.”

A member of Oldham Council’s dog warden team visited the Pengellys.

A spokesman said : “We assure residents we are making all efforts to catch this dog.

Springhead infant school head, Angela Leach, said: “We had a call from a parent and I have sent a note warning all pupils and teachers about the situation.

“I have asked they take particular care crossing parkland and open spaces near the school.”

Mr Pengelly added: “We could not bear it if we thought this dog could attack a child.”