Dog owner' upset after attack on Chihuahua (From Watford Observer)

Dog owner Nikki Ahmed 'in state of shock' after pet Chihuahua attacked by Staffordshire Bull Terrier

1:38pm Friday 12th October 2012 in News By Mike Wright, Chief Reporter

Dog owner' upset after attack on Chihuahua

A dog-owner has spoken of her shock and upset after her Chihuahua was badly mauled by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier in north Watford park.

Nikki Ahmed had to run with three-year-old Hudson bleeding heavily in her arms to a vets after the attack in Callowland Recreation Ground.

The small dog was left with his flesh badly torn but survived after £1,500 worth of veterinary treatment.

Police have since launched an investigation into the attack.

Miss Ahmed, 29, of Acme Road, said she did not want to see the other dog put down but wanted to warn other dog-walkers in the area.

The attack happened on Monday September 3, while Miss Ahmed was talking to another dog walker, who intervened to get the Staffordshire Bull Terrier off Hudson.

She said: "He had really bad bite marks on his neck. I thought it was worse when I scooped him up and ran to Medivet in St Albans Road.

"I was in a state of shock, really was. When I saw him I just ran to the vet, then it hit me and I burst into tears.

"He (Hudson) was conscious but he was also in a state of shock himself. He doesn’t like the vets at the best of times and he was distressed as I had to leave him there overnight. It was like a double trauma."

Miss Ahmed, a freelance fashion designer, took her case to the police and was referred to Watford Borough Council, who then referred her back to the police.

She said after a month of being shunted back and forth the police have finally took up the case this week and are investigating the incident.

Hertfordshire has apologised for the delay in investigating Hudson’s case and it is looking at its procedures around dog attacks.

Sarah Spence, a police spokesman, said: "Regrettably the reporting person was given the wrong advice and this should have been referred to officers.

"We would like to apologise and reassure the public that procedures are already being looked at and any lessons learnt will be shared with relevant staff. Investigations into the incident are on-going."

Hudson has since recovered from his wounds but been left psychologically scared by the ordeal.

Miss Ahmed added: "When he hears other dogs bark he gets scared, but he’s slowly getting his confidence back."