Dog attack owner calls for change to law

A woman whose terrier was savaged to death by a mastiff in a Royal Park has called for a change in the law to prosecute irresponsible owners.

Sue Bray, 50, an occupational therapist, was walking her dog Finn in Greenwich Park when the mastiff, which was on a leash, pulled his owner over to get to Finn.

Two men hauled the mastiff off, but Finn died. Ms Bray, who took her dog in from a refuge 10 years ago, said of the 4 February attack: "His injuries were horrific. He was so precious and I feel terrible that I was not able to protect him."

Ms Bray, from Charlton, criticised legislation, which means owners cannot be prosecuted if a dog attacks another dog.

She said: "The shocking fact is that this animal has been left in the charge of someone who is not able to control it."

A police spokeswoman said: "This is a dog-versus-dog incident that's not covered by the Dangerous Dogs Act. The procedure is for the victim to attend a magistrates' court [to bring action]."