Puppy killed in fox attack in Kytes Drive garden, Watford

The grandmother had taken her puppy out to the back garden in Kytes Drive, Watford, at around 1pm on Sunday (May 14) when the fox got through the gap left by strong winds three months ago.

Although she had made sure to stay with her six-month-old dog, because of the fence backing onto an area of woodland, the fox “wasn’t spooked at all” by her shouts as it continued to attack the pet before “leaving her lifeless bleeding out on the floor”.

• Kytes Drive bungalows in Watford set for regeneration
• Pub seeks new operator after sudden closure as £194,000 refurb planned
• Locals celebrate 'eyesore' 5G tower rejection after 113 objections

Granddaughter Chynna Shaw explained that Anchor Homes had been contacted “weekly” for three months about necessary fence repairs which left her feeling unsafe at home, especially as she had been burgled in the past.

The 30-year-old said: “You don’t expect to let your dog out for a wee and that happens, you should feel safe in your own garden,” the 30-year-old said. 

The puppy (Image: Chynna Shaw)

“Although this is absolutely tragic it could have been a lot worse if this was a child in the garden.”

The pet was taken to the vet after the attack but there was nothing that could be done.

Anchor Homes’ operations manager for Kytes Drive Emma Martin said: “We are sorry for the resident’s loss and extend our condolences at this difficult time.

“We are looking into the circumstances of the matter and are supporting the resident.”

During a meeting, residents in the cul-de-sac’s 56 bungalows were told they would temporarily have to move as Anchor Homes wants to build replacement homes on the site.

Fellow residents have said they haven’t been given timeframes for the move and there have been claims, including from the 84-year-old’s family, that repairs haven’t gone ahead because of upcoming demolitions.

Ms Martin said: “Providing something new will give us the opportunity to develop homes which are modern and meet higher environmental standards, which in turn will reduce energy costs.”

She added that the housing organisation will work closely with residents.The damaged fence backing onto woodland behind Kytes Drive (Image: Chynna Shaw)