Child leapt to safety as dogs savaged pet in Hornchurch
Jack Foster and sister Amelia with pet Freddie - Credit: Archant
A child was forced to leap from the path of three out-of-control dogs which went on to savage his pet.
Freddie was lucky to survive the attack - Credit: Archant
The animals, all bulldog types, bounded from a car as it pulled up outside Hornchurch Country Park, before tearing into West Highland terrier, Freddie.
Jack Foster, 13, jumped onto a fence to safety as he watched his dog being “ripped to shreds”, while dad Mick Foster battled the other beasts.
Mick, 44, said: “Those dogs were absolutely crazed; they just went for my dog. The owner had no control over them.
“One of the dogs had got mine by the throat and was ripping him to shreds. I started kicking it and when I threatened to kill it, the owner started punching it - but it wouldn’t let go. The other dogs were snapping around but couldn’t get a hold.
“Jack was on a fence and hysterical. At the time, I saw red mist and just thought I needed to protect my dog, but looking back I could’ve been badly hurt.”
He added: “Every time I close my eyes, I can see my dog being torn apart - it’s terrible. Those dogs should be on lead and have a muzzle in a public area.”
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Mick managed to wrestle Freddie free when the bulldog took a breath.
Mick said: “Even while I was carrying Freddie back to the car, one of the dogs was trying to get at him in my arms.”
The four-year-old pet was lucky to survive after being left with 20 deep puncture wounds to his neck.
He has undergone two operations, costing the Fosters some £600.
Police are investigating the attack, which happened at around 4.20pm, on Monday, February 4.
Anyone with information should contact Pc Emma Gibson, at Romford police station, on: 101.
