Police investigate after puppy ‘torn away’ from off-lead dog that was ‘like killed’

Police are investigating a horrific attack in which a puppy was savagely mauled by an off-lead dog, leaving her fighting for her life. Ruby, a 16-week-old cockapoo, miraculously survived the ordeal despite being “split” from an “off-lead” Jack Russell cross in Sycamore Park, Kingsbury.

Owners Lynn Holdom, 64, and Alan Bamford, 75, now face the prospect of losing their home as they struggle to find £23,000 to cover the vet bill for Ruby’s treatment. Their daughter Kayleigh also needed hospital treatment after being bitten on the hand during the April 27 incident.

Initially, the couple were faced with the heartbreaking decision of putting Ruby down or paying £6,000 for an operation. Despite the steep cost, they decided to “give him a chance” after he arrived at the vet bleeding profusely.

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The bills quickly piled up as Ruby spent nearly two weeks at the vet undergoing additional treatment, surgery and daily care.

The family warned costs would continue to rise as they struggled to “keep Ruby alive”. Despite their pride, they reluctantly set up a GoFundMe page and have raised more than £9,000 towards their £20,000 target as of Friday morning, May 10, Birmingham Live reports.

However, in addition to the financial strain, which could force the couple to remortgage or even sell their home, Lynn expressed fear that the dog responsible could attack again.

She expressed her concern: “This dog is roaming the streets, who will it attack next? I can’t believe the justice system in this country right now. If it had been an XL Bully, they (the police) would have been there and the dog would have been put down by now.”

Full details of the investigation have now been released by Warwickshire Police, appealing for any footage or witnesses to get in touch. The force said: “We are currently investigating an alleged dog bite incident which took place in The Green, Kingsbury, on April 27 between 4pm and 5.30pm, during which a dog was attacked by a dog lead free”.

He added: “It is believed the owner’s hand was bitten while the dogs were being separated. Investigations are ongoing. If anyone has information or footage that could assist our investigation, please contact us, quoting incident 294 of April 27.”

Describing the terrifying encounter, Ruby’s owner recounted when they were walking in the Sycamore Park children’s play area. She said: “It was absolutely awful. She was torn,” Lynn recalled.

Lynn went on to share their usual Saturday routine: “We walk in the park every Saturday, there’s a lot of kids there, a lot of dogs; it was never a problem. She was walking on the edge of the park and suddenly this girl left her. go off lead and this dog flipped out and tried to kill her and made Kayleigh’s hand bleed.”

“I think he would have thought she was a rabbit or whatever – but he was out to kill. Tore out his intestines, fractured his back. Kayleigh was distraught that she couldn’t get the dog off of her and couldn’t get away. the dog on her hand”.

“A man heard Kayleigh screaming and came from one of the houses to help. I had one comment: “I heard the screams, it was awful.” Finally she got hold of him and hit the dog.”

After nearly an hour’s journey to Solihull to the nearest available vet, Ruby was stabilized and endured an overnight operation to save her life. “She’s lucky to be alive,” Lynn said.

“The vet called and said, ‘Do you want us to put her down?'” It broke our hearts. She is so sweet, and we just couldn’t, we had to give her a chance. You can’t rob a spirited animal like that of its life.”

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