Frail pensioner's poodle mauled to death by dog

A FRAIL woman has been left traumatised after her beloved pet was killed in a frenzied dog attack at a popular Tonbridge wood.

Jean Haynes' poodle Sam died after being bitten in the neck and chest by a large dog, believed to be a Staffordshire terrier, at Woodlands Walk on Tuesday morning.

The 80-year-old widow, who suffers from dementia, was left covered in her dog's blood after the incident, while the attacking dog's owner simply walked away.

A passer-by found Mrs Haynes lying on the ground. She herself was suffering from minor bite wounds, but it is unclear which dog inflicted them during the ordeal.

Mrs Haynes' daughter Jenny Krekis, 57, described the incident as "horrendous".

She said: "This dog attacked my mum's dog and did all sorts of damage. This woman just walked away and left my mum holding the dog which was covered in blood.

"My mother was left in such a state. I was so furious.

"My mother couldn't deal with it. He was the loveliest, friendliest dog, he's been her guardian angel."

Mrs Haynes has walked her dog on the same route every day for the last three years.

She said: "I was very shaken at first, but I'm all right now. There wasn't anyone to help me and this nasty woman just walked off."

Sam was put on a drip at Priory Lodge Veterinary and had to undergo surgery.

Despite treatment, Sam died on Wednesday night.

Mrs Krekis said: "I'm furious that this woman just walked away from my mum. That's what I can't believe. I was livid. People should be on their guard – the dog should have been on a lead or muzzled.

"The worst thing that woman did was walk away. My mum was too frail to get the dog off and get help. I can't get over it. I think it's horrendous, I am so angry."

Veterinary surgeon William Swift, who treated the poodle at Priory Lodge, said: "The injuries were really quite extensive. The dog was much bigger and more powerful than him, judging by the bite wounds. It's pretty dreadful."