Cat savaged to death by Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Kate Doran’s mission to get justice for dead 19-year-old Sniffy comes after police admitted little could be done as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which is not a banned breed, was on a leash and under control.

The 29-year-old’s cat was sitting in a front porch at her home in Keedonwood Road, Downham, at around 1pm on June 25 when she was attacked.

A neighbour claimed the dog, called Tyson, was with a man and a woman, thought to be aged 18 or 19, on an extendable lead.

Recalling the witness’ account, Miss Doran said: “They walked past our house and the dog saw the cat and flew in.

“The guy couldn’t control it because of the long lead.

“They were screaming at the dog but couldn’t stop it.

“The guy was then heard saying ‘Oh well it’s only a cat’ and they both walked off.”

Miss Doran, who has put up posters appealing for information, said: “We loved her to bits. She didn’t deserve to be mauled to death. They didn’t care – they just walked off.

“They left an animal in distress and suffering in pain.

“We’re distraught. It sounds stupid to people who don’t have animals but she was part of our family.

“We just want to get some justice for her. We’re in tears about it. We can’t get over it.”

The veterinary nurse added: “The police said these cases are hard to prove and even if they do catch the owners, there’s not much they can do.

"It’s disappointing. They were trying to say 'give up' really."

'LIVING WEAPONS'

A spokeswoman for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals advised Miss Doran to seek civil recourse and called for a more comprehensive Dangerous Dogs Act which goes beyond banning breeds.

She said: “Almost without exception, those who seek out large or ‘fighting’ breeds are attracted to the macho image of having a dog as a living weapon and encourage them to show aggressive tendencies.

"These dogs have often been beaten, starved, or trained to attack people and other animals.

“PETA strongly advises not allowing cats outdoors unattended as they face many dangers including disease, heavy traffic, toxic anti-freeze, intolerant neighbours, bored juveniles with cricket bats, and sometimes attacks by other animals.”

POLICE REACTION

Lewisham police said there was little that could be done because the account by the neighbour had been reported by a third party and not the witness itself.

A spokeswoman said it also appeared the dog was not dangerously out of control in a public place and it was on a leash.

She said: "The fact the dog was on a leash does not necessarily mean there would not be an offence but when considering if a dog was dangerously out of control one of the indicators would be whether the dog was on a leash.

"In this case based on the information we received from a third party, the dog was on a leash and the owner did not leave the dog to run around freely.

"They were in charge of it and attempted to stop the dog from making contact with the other animal."

WHAT THE LAWYERS SAY

Nagam Din, partner at national law firm Simpson Millar LLP, which specialises in dog attacks, said: "Reforms [to the law] are necessary. A tightening of the rules governing animal ownership would be welcomed.

"Hopefully a more accurate definition of the responsibilities that come with owning a potentially dangerous animal will send a strong message; that owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs and should take measures to ensure the safety of others."