A DOG owner has described seeing his pet killed in a brutal attack by another animal.
Kevin Moss, 52, was walking his seven-year-old Chihuahua, Jasmine, and his two other dogs through part of Hainault Forest near his home in Maypole Drive, Chigwell Row, yesterday (Sunday) when two men walking a Japanese Akita and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier approached.
The Japanese Akita, which was about the size of a German Shepherd, charged up to Mr Moss' dogs and first went for his Miniature Pinscher, before grabbing Jasmine in its teeth and shaking her.
“There was an almighty scream and a gurgle,” said Mr Moss. “I jumped on the dog to try and wrestle (Jasmine) out of his mouth.
“I’m vaguely aware of the other guy grabbing the collar of the dog. He said ‘I’m very sorry,’ and then they were gone.
“My dog was on the floor covered in blood and my Miniature Pinscher ran off. He just crushed her and she died within seconds.”
Mr Moss’ glasses were knocked off during the struggle, so he could not see the other dog owners clearly, but said they were two white men in their mid-30s.
The couple own horses, cats and chickens as well as their three dogs, but treated Jasmine as a member of the family.
“She literally used to go everywhere with us,” said Mr Moss. “We even took her to Tescos in a travel bag.
“She was just so friendly and so pleasant to be around.”
Essex Police are investigating the attack and a spokeswoman said they were hoping to prosecute the owners under the Dangerous Dogs Act, which states that dogs must be under control in a public place.
“The offence was reported at 9am on April 10 and police in Epping are investigating,” she added. “The owner left the scene and is being sought by police and could face prosecution.”
Anyone with information should call Epping police station on 0300 333 4444.
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