A heartbroken mum spoke of how her beloved pet dog had to be put down after he was reportedly attacked by two larger dogs while out for a walk.
Border terrier Ronnie was taking his daily exercise when the incident happened last Thursday afternoon (February 17), on the path behind Pool Hey in Stockbridge Village.
Owner Michelle Kilroe-Gibson said: "He was viciously attacked by two black greyhound type dogs who were off lead and not controlled by their owner.
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"My 79-year-old dad was walking him at the time and he said these two dogs came out of nowhere. The smaller one was chased off but the larger one just wouldn't let go.
"My dad ended up on the floor trying to get the dog off Ronnie, but he couldn't do it.
"The owner was there and was also trying to get the dog off. He was saying 'they've never done this before.'
"The bigger dog then ran away and the owner went after him. He didn't hang around to check if my dad or our dog was ok."
Michelle, 55, added: "The dog had torn Ronnie to shreds. We took him to the vets but the next day they decided to put him down as his injuries were so catastrophic.
"My dad is really shaken up by the whole thing. Both me and my daughter are at work during the day so he walks the dog for us."
The family had owned Ronnie, who was a rescue dog, since he was six years old, and he had been a family pet for the past four years.
Michelle said: "He was a member of the family and his loss has left a huge gaping hole in our lives.
"He had such a personality and was just a gorgeous little lad."
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We received an online report on February 21 that at around 3pm on Thursday February 17, a man had been out walking a border terrier dog close to Pool Hey in Stockbridge Village when it was reportedly attacked by two greyhound-type dogs who were not on a lead.
"The man tried to get the dogs off and suffered a bite and bruising to his hand. The border terrier was taken to the vets and later put to sleep.
"Enquiries into the incident have been carried out."
Anyone who has any information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 22000126516.
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