A warning has been issued over potentially "dangerous dogs" in one area of Liverpool after a Bichon Frise was mauled to death in a park.
Lloyd Medland and his partner Kelly Ainsworth were walking their two dogs Flossy and Leah with a friend in Newsham Park when the attack took place on Tuesday, August 31.
Lloyd, from Tuebrook, said he had his back turned while Kelly had hold of the dogs on their leads, when all of a sudden he heard a scream.
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As he turned around Lloyd saw a bigger dog, described as a bull mastiff type breed with brown and beige fur, "snatch" Flossy, whilst Kelly tried to free her.
The three-year-old Bichon Frise was rushed to the vets but sadly died of her injuries a short time later.
Merseyside Police are appealing for information after what happened and any witnesses are urged to contact them.
Inspector Phil Ryan said: “This was an appalling incident leaving a dog sadly dead. I want to make it clear that we will not tolerate irresponsible dog ownership.
“It is a criminal offence to allow a dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place and dog owners have a responsibility to ensure their dog does is on a lead and under control.
“I would also ask anyone with information about this incident or dangerous dogs in their area to contact us so that we can take action."
The attack happened at around 9.30pm on Tuesday near to the Morecombe Street entrance to the park.
The large dog of an unknown breed was reportedly not on a lead and was being walked by two males and a female, when it attacked Flossy.
Flossy’s owner was unharmed but left extremely shaken by the incident.
Lloyd and Kelly arrived at the vets and were told Flossie had suffered internal bleeding, burst blood vessels and that bits of her muscle had been "torn away."
A vet said a specialist may be able to help, but as that was explained another vet appeared to tell them Flossie had died. The couple later contacted the police.
Lloyd said: "We felt disheartened, sick, angry, helpless. I just feel like my world is finished to be honest.
"It’s hard to explain that to people who may not like dogs.
"She was just a happy, joyful, reliant dog. She was stuck to my partner. She couldn’t go anywhere in the house without you going with her."
If you witnessed the incident or have any information, please contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre. You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 21000607382 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form here.
