by Gerry Warren

gwarren@thekmgroup.co.uk

The owner of a Yorkshire terrier savaged to death by a pack of greyhounds is claiming thousands of pounds in damages from a dog charity.

The greyhounds which killed four-year-old Roxy in a lane near Wingham were in kennels owned by the Retired Greyhound Trust.

Roxy was owned by Rachel Gurney of Endeavour House, Shatterling, but was being walked by her sister Catherine near their home when the attack happened on Boxing Day.

The five greyhounds were being walked by handlers in the same lane when two broke free from their collars and set upon little Roxy.

He suffered severe injuries and despite veterinary treatment, died two days later.

The sisters say they are still devastated by the 'horrific’ death of Roxy which also cost them more than £3,000, including vet’s fees, legal expenses,

Catherine’s clothing which was ruined as she tried to protect him and the expense incurred in buying a new dog.

Mrs Gurney, who is a PA for the NHS Trust, said: “I have now a pug puppy called Benny but we will never forget Roxy who was a super little dog and his life should never have been so cruelly cut short in such an horrific way.

“We will never walk our dogs in that lane again but have asked the Greyhound Trust about what new safety procedures it has in place, which must be in the public interest to make sure it doesn’t happen to someone else. But we still haven’t heard anything.

“As far as our claim goes, we have only been told it is in the hands of the trust’s solicitors.”

Chairman of the Retired Greyhound Trust Ivor Stoker said the charity had made an initial offer to cover the veterinary fees and cost of buying a new dog which had not been accepted.

He said the negotiations were now in the hands of its solicitors and insurers.
He added: “There are no problems with our standard procedures for walking our dogs and they should ensure it won’t happen again but you can never say 100 per cent.”

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