More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A dog was killed and its 75-year-old owner injured during a savage attack by a "Staffy-type" breed.
Roxy, a small Shih Tzu / Chihuahua mix, was viciously set upon by the larger dog on a footpath in Northfleet.
The traumatised pensioner was taken to hospital to be treated for concussion after the horrifying incident and is still suffering flashbacks, according to her daughter Cher Martin.
She says Roxy was taken to the vets, who described it as "the most savage attack they have seen".
Ms Martin says her mum had taken Roxy for a walk on Tuesday along the public footpath between The Creek / Grove Road, Hive Lane and Crete Hall Road which runs through the Lafarge cement works.
At some point between 1pm and 2pm they came across a man of medium-build wearing dark gym clothes with a dark-coloured Staffy-type dog, coming from the Hive Lane / Crete Hall direction.
"The dog was off the lead and tried to attack Roxy," Ms Martin said.
"Mum picked Roxy up to try to get her out of harm's way but the dog leapt at my mum, causing her to fall to the floor and bang her head.
"The large dog then savagely and fatally attacked Roxy, flinging her into the nearby wall and mauled her to death.
"The dog owner made no attempt to help, offered no apology and left my pensioner mum partially-conscious on the floor with the body of her dear little dog beside her.
"My poor elderly mum had to carry Roxy back to her house in a distraught state."
She added: "Roxy was taken to the vet who has reported that it is the most savage attack they have seen.
"My mum was taken to the hospital for treatment for concussion. She is still traumatised and suffering from flashbacks."
Heartbroken Ms Martin is appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time who has a dashcam, Ring doorbell or CCTV, or who knows the man, to contact the police, quoting reference 24/02/32.
She warned: "This dog is dangerous and the man needs to be apprehended so it doesn’t happen again. Next time it could be a child that is attacked."
James Walker, Kent Police Spokesman, said: "Police are investigating a report that a Staffordshire bull terrier attacked a woman and her pet dog while they walked in The Creek, Northfleet, between 1pm and 2pm on Tuesday 23 March.
"The victim’s dog is said to have been snatched from her arm by the aggressive dog, which then inflicted a fatal injury to her pet. The force of the incident also caused the woman to fall to the floor.
"The suspect dog is believed to have been accompanied by a man in his 30s, who is described as being white with a medium build and brown hair."
Officers are investigating the circumstances and anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting 46/48643/21.
You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form.
