Pet dogs savaged and killed on Llandudno's Great Orme

Aug 20 2008 By Shelley Coyle

DANGEROUS dogs on the Great Orme will only be stopped when they kill a child, claim terrified residents.

Anne Middlehurst was devastated when a Staffordshire terrier and Alsatian savaged her pet dog Peach to death in April.

Anne, of Llwynon Road, said: "Peach was outside whilst my daughter was washing the car when these vicious animals came over and literally ripped her in two.

"I don’t know with how many stitches the vet used but she looked like a rag doll. After a couple of days, they recommended that she be put down as she was in such a bad way.

"Peach was such a beautiful dog, everyone loved her. When I went to the police I was appalled to hear that no offence had been committed as it was dog-on-dog. They will only prosecute if these animals attack a person. It feels like Peach’s life was worthless."

Neighbour Jackie Bargate was shocked by police attitudes after her dog Tessa was savaged in June by the same Alsatian that killed Peach.

Jackie said: "Tessa was left badly injured with four puncture wounds. I’ve gone back and forth to the vets many times which has cost me over £300. I asked the owner to pay and her second word was ‘off’.

"The police won’t do anything. They’ll wait until it’s a child these vicious dogs kill before they’ll act. Even though these people are in a council house, the council doesn’t seem interested either. They say that because the dogs are behind a gate, they aren’t a problem. However, these strong dogs can easily jump over it.

"I can’t risk having my grandchildren visit any more. What’s worse is that the Staffordshire terrier is now pregnant, breeding yet more monsters!"

A spokeswoman for North Wales Police said: "Both incidents were reported to North Wales Police and we are working in conjunction with the local authority dog warden on this matter."