Terrier put down after dog attack

Terrier put down after dog attack

26 October 2016

ALMOST 2,000 people have expressed their support for a Saintfield dog owner whose little Yorkshire Terrier has died after being mauled by two other dogs.

Diane Scott’s terrier Maggie had to be put down after being attacked during a walk in Rowallane Garden on Wednesday.

In an emotional online appeal, Diane has pleaded with the owner of the other dogs, who she described as being a German Shepherd and a large black dog, to come forward to prevent any similar tragedies.

Diane said Maggie, who she describes as the “absolute love of my life”, was being walked on her lead when she was set upon by the other dogs being walked by a middle-aged woman.

They left Maggie, she said, with life-threatening injuries and she could not be saved despite the vet’s best efforts.

Her story has been shared almost 2,000 times on Facebook and attracted hundreds of comments from people expressing their support for Diane.

“Both dogs were involved in the attack and the owner didn’t say or do anything to try and stop the attack which was in no way provoked,” she said.

“While in the vets we were told she had a large puncture wound in her side, additional smaller puncture wounds, liver damage, broken and cracked ribs, along with spinal cord damage.

“Maggie was transferred to the veterinary hospital in Belfast where we were told that she was paralysed along with other complications due to the attack and nothing could be done to save her.

“Sadly Maggie was put to sleep while in my arms. We need help in tracing the owner of these two dogs as we don’t want another dog or family to go through what we have these past few days.”

Diane said the online support had been amazing as people came together to “right a wrong” and she also thanked Rowallane Garden staff for their help after the attack.

“They were very helpful after the event and have continued to be so. At the end of the day the onus is on the owner,” she said.

“There is only so much staff can do to police the dogs being walked in the area.”