A heartbroken family has issued a stark warning after their three-year-old Yorkshire Terrier was killed on a golf course.

Mel Lacey was walking his three dogs at Cobtree Manor Golf Course in Maidstone at 6am when he says one of them, Poppy, was hit by a utility vehicle.

He says it was driven by one of the club’s groundsmen and the miniature Yorkie died instantly.

Police were called following a “dispute” and investigated the incident, but said “no criminal offences” had been committed.

Mr Lacey, 54, visits the public course before it opens regularly with his pets.

He was on the 14th hole talking to a greenkeeper when the tragic incident happened on October 30.

“I was talking to one groundsman when the other came whizzing round the corner,” he explained.

“The dogs ran up alongside the buggy and were yapping away, as they usually do.”

Next thing, he claims Poppy had been struck by the vehicle.

Mr Lacey, who lives in nearby Sandling village, was left in shock and had to be taken back to the clubhouse by the first groundsman before walking home with the dead dog and her sister Molly, three, and mum Bella, eight.

A month on, the family are still devastated by the traumatic event.

Mr Lacey’s wife, Irena, is upset they have not received an apology from the club or those who run it – Get Golfing.

She said: “The loss was incomprehensible. We immediately contacted the police, but they concluded there was insufficient evidence and no witnesses to take further action.

“Our attempts to seek justice were met with indifference. The golf course manager dismissed the incident as an accident.

“Throughout this ordeal, Cobtree Manor Golf Course has shown no empathy or accountability.”

The dog owner paid tribute to Poppy who she says wasn’t “just a dog” but a “beloved family member whose life was tragically cut short”.

She added: “We hope no other dog walkers have to endure such an ordeal. Everyone should feel safe walking their dogs, without fear of harm.”

A spokesman for the force said: “Kent Police was called at 9.15am on Wednesday, October 30, following a dispute at a golf course in Chatham Road, Maidstone.

“During the incident a utility vehicle was involved in a collision with a dog which unfortunately died as a result of its injuries.

“Inquiries established no criminal offences had been committed and the case has been filed. All parties have been updated with the outcome of the investigation.”

Cobtree Manor Golf Course, found in Chatham Road, is owned by Maidstone council and is used by several dog walkers.

On the official tourism site, Visit Maidstone, which has the council’s backing, the course is described as being “very welcome” for “dog walkers, wildlife watchers, cyclists and bikers”.

A spokesman for the local authority confirmed it was aware of an investigation.

They said: “Maidstone council is sorry to hear about this incident. The council has been made aware by Get Golfing, the managing company of Cobtree Manor Golf Course, who are conducting an investigation.

“Until this has been completed, the council is unable to comment further.”

Get Golfing told KentOnline the matter was handed to police and declined to comment any further.