My 10 month old Yorkshire Terrier pup (Hugo) was savagely attacked and killed by an out of control Saffordshire Bull Terrier on the 20th of January 2022.

This happened whilst out with his dog walker who had both dogs in her care at the time, in Greenhall Park, Blantyre.

My tiny pup had been mauled. Brutally ripped apart and left brain dead, passing away within only 2 hours of the onslaught. He didn't stand a chance.

Following the attack, I went to the police who advised that as this was a dog on dog incident they would not become involved, despite taking a statement and issuing me with an incident card stating 'Dangerous Dog'. They later instructed that this was a matter for the council.

I contacted the council and was put in touch with the dog warden. Dissapointingly the only "power" they say they have is to put an enforcement notice on the owner of the Saffordshire Bull Terrier, to ensure it wears a muzzle and is kept on a lead at all times.

This enforcement has taken 4 weeks from Hugo's death to be put in place.

To think that this beast of a dog is walking the streets, with only the owners say so that it will be wearing a muzzle and kept on a lead causes me a lot of distress and anxiety. The council told me that they wouldn't follow up to make sure that this enforcement was being abided by, unless reported. They also told me it wouldn't be made public knowledge to the community where it is living. So how are the council to know that it would be adhered to?

God forbid that this dog should bite or kill another small dog again. Or even more so, harm a child!

Who would be held responsible then?!

No one seems to be able to take full responsibilty for this horrific crime. The laws and legislations need to be more clear in order for the correct people to be prosecuted.

It is essestial that the Dangerous Dog Act is changed to allow the police to have the powers to act appropriately, at a time of severe distress, without the owner of the victim being the one to have to fight for their rights.

Please sign to raise awareness with the hope to get proper justice for my Hugo, thank you.