The incident happened in Rossmere Park, Hartlepool, when 80-year-old Dennis Wickett was walking Lucy, a miniature long-haired dachshund.

Mr Wickett claims two greyhounds, off the leash, pounced on his pet and began mauling it.



Dennis, who was bitten by one of the dogs in the attack and needed hospital treatment, eventually rushed Lucy to Stranton Vetinary Surgery. But he was left heartbroken when he was told the injuries were so severe that the dog would have to be put down.

Police are now investigating the incident, which has been described as an "awful incident". Dennis and his wife Margaret, 79, are still too upset to talk about the incident which happened on Friday, June 27.

Their daughter, Denise Rouse, 53, of Mardale Avenue, Hartlepool, said: "Lucy was a loving family pet who would always run away from other dogs.

"She was very friendly and meant a lot to us all.

"My dad says the screams were awful, but he couldn't do much about it.

"He tried to pull them off but he was badly bitten and had to go to hospital himself.

"He is still really shaken by the whole thing. It is very serious, because he is old he could have had a heart attack or a bad fall. What worries me is the thought it could have been a child in the park."

Denise, an entry to employment teacher at Nacro in Hartlepool, added that man who owns the greyhounds has apologised for the attack and also paid her dad's vet bill.

But the family are inconsolable about their loss, especially Denise's daughter, Joanne Rouse, 20, who grew up with Lucy around. Dennis, a retired chauffeur, who lives in Dunbar Road with Margaret, went to the University Hospital of Hartlepool after the attack where his hand was bandaged and he was given a tetanus injection.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "It has been reported to us and our inquiries are under way.

"It seems to be an awful incident and we would urge anyone with information to contact PC Winifred Hugill on (01642) 302126."