Puppy savaged to death in park

A DISTRAUGHT owner has warned of the dangers of keeping potentially ferocious dogs as pets after her puppy was mauled to death by a Staffordshire bull terrier in a park in front of shocked youngsters.

Farida Khatun, (32), took her 11-year old daughter L’Kiesha to Heaton Park for the first time with Kratos, a 14-week-old miniature pinscher.

But a fun day out turned to tragedy when a young boy lost control of the bull terrier as it swept the sleeping pup off its owner’s lap and violently shook it in its jaws.

Farida said: “I was just stunned, children were screaming and people were running over to help.

“I couldn’t believe what was happening.

“Somebody managed to get the puppy out of its jaws but by then he was covered in blood and limp. There was a big hole under his back leg.”

The pup was meant to be birthday present for her daughter’s 12th birthday later this month, but instead of celebrating, the family were burying their beloved pet in their back garden in Richmond Walk, Oldham.

The family named the tiny dog Kratos, after the Greek God of War, but at the mercy of the attacking dog, the little one did not stand a chance.

Shock soon turned to anger for the mother however as she questioned the owner of the bull terrier.

Farida said: “I wanted an apology but all she did was ask if it was dead and then said ‘that’s what dogs do’ when I showed her.

“I couldn’t believe the reaction — it could have been a baby in my arms.

“It is not what dogs do and people need to be aware that some dogs, although they may be friendly at home, can be unpredictable and should be kept on a lead with a muzzle when out.”

The family, who had travelled on the bus, were rushed to an emergency vet in Bury by a concerned onlooker, where the dog later died.

Mrs Khatun said: “My daughter was hysterical when she saw what had happened. She loved that puppy so much and she has done a lot of crying.

“It should be a lesson for dog owners that you don’t know what they will do next, the attack was completely unprovoked.”

Prestwich police are investigating.