Family searching for justice after puppy mauled to death on first walk (From News Shopper)

Family searching for justice after puppy mauled to death on first walk

1:14pm Tuesday 8th May 2012 in Leisure By Robert Fisk

A DISTRAUGHT family is searching for justice after their beloved puppy was savagely bitten on the throat by another dog and bled to death during its first walk.

Ceri Game had almost reached home with her 14-week-old Chihuahua called Buddy when he was attacked by a Lurcher type dog at the corner of Queen’s Road and Beckenham Road, Beckenham.

Ms Game’s partner picked their dog up and sheltered him in his coat.

But there was nothing they could do and their pet died almost instantly.

Ms Game, 50, said: "It happened instantly because the dog was on one of those retractable leads and it just happened so quick.

"By the amount of blood there was I think he must have got him round the throat.

"I think he was dead in seconds of it happening.

"I was hysterical, to think something like that happened on his first time out, and I started blaming myself because if I had not taken him out, he might still be here.

"We took him straight to the vets in Foxgrove Road and they said there was nothing they could do."

Since the attack last Friday Ms Game’s partner has been walking around their area talking to dog walkers to see if they have seen the dog or the owner.

The owners of The Viceroy, an Indian restaurant near to where the attack happened, say the man used to walk his animal at the same time each day but Ms Game says he has been lying low since it happened.

After a tip off from someone who said he lives in Clockhouse Road her son has been keeping a watch on the street.

But they have not had any luck finding the exact address.

Ms Game, of Queen’s Road, Beckenham, said: "I do not think for one moment they are going to come forward.

"He knew we were from round here and he did not try and come back on Saturday to try and find out the fate of the dog.

"A responsible dog owner would have tried to do something at least."

Buddy was bought by Ms Game’s son as a Mother’s Day gift to cheer her up because she has been having problems with her hips and blood circulation.

The office manager said: "It has just been horrific.

"He had taken over our lives and he had got into the habit of being awake a lot earlier than us and he used to cry outside my bedroom door before I’d wake up so we could have a little cuddle."

The family are now hoping a News Shopper reader will be able to identify the man concerned and report him to the police.

Ms Game says the dog owner was around 5ft 9in tall, balding with either grey or light blonde hair and was in his early to mid-40s and wearing a lumberjack checked shirt.

She said: "We cannot have closure until he is brought to justice."

Anyone who has any information should email rfisk@london.newsquest.co.uk