A family today spoke of their "devastation" after their pet was killed by a stranger's dog in the street on Christmas Day.
Joan Ruddick, 69, was walking back home after a festive meal with relatives when her Pomeranian was suddenly savaged by a Staffordshire bull terrier.
It took three people to prise the animal's jaws off Honey, including officers from a passing police patrol on Parr Stocks Road in St Helens.
The 13-year-old Pomeranian was rushed to the vets for surgery for a strangulated intestine and other serious injuries.
But after three days of treatment, Honey died on Monday evening.
The family said police told them no criminal action could be taken against the Staffy owner because it wasn't an attack on a person.
This morning, Merseyside Police confirmed they were pursuing a civil action, but because a person wasn't "left in fear" during the incident, it is not classed as a crime.
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Abbie James, Ms Ruddick's niece, claims the family has now been left with more than £6,000 of veterinary medical bills which they are struggling to pay as they were uninsured.
Abbie said: "We are all absolutely devastated and in shock.
"We really thought she would be coming home over the next couple of days."
She added: "My nan still has a £6,100 vet bill."
Mrs Ruddick added: "I'll never forget what happened, I couldn't stop shaking."
Abbie said the family are 'heartbroken' at the loss of their beloved pet.
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A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm that officers were called to Parr Stocks Road, St Helens at around 9pm on Friday 25 December to an incident in which a Pomeranian Dog was attacked and sadly killed by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
"The incident is being progressed as a civil matter."
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