Police probe after puppy 'ripped apart' by off-lead dog who was 'in for the kill'

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 'ripped apart' by 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 scramble to find £23,000 to cover the vet's bill for Ruby's treatment. Their daughter Kayleigh also required hospital treatment after being bitten on the hand during the incident on April 27.

Initially, the couple were faced with the heartbreaking decision of either having Ruby put down or paying £6,000 for an operation. Despite the steep cost, they decided to "give her the chance" after she made it to the vets while bleeding heavily.

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The bills quickly mounted as Ruby spent nearly two weeks at the vet's, undergoing further treatment, surgery and daily care.

The family warned that costs would continue to rise as they strive to 'keep Ruby alive. ' Despite their pride, they reluctantly set up a GoFundMe page and had raised over £9,000 towards their £20,000 target as of Friday morning, May 10, reports Birmingham Live.

However, alongside 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 voiced her concern: "This dog is roaming the streets, who is it going to attack next? I can't believe the justice in this country now. If that was an XL Bully, they [police] would have been there and that dog would have been put down by now."

Full details about the investigation have now been released by Warwickshire Police, calling for any footage or witnesses to get in touch. The force stated: "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 reportedly attacked by an off-lead dog,".

It added: "The owner's hand was allegedly bitten while the dogs were being separated. Enquiries are ongoing. If anyone has any information or footage that could assist with our investigation, contact us citing Incident 294 of April 27."

Describing the terrifying encounter, Ruby's owner told of when they were walking in the childrens play area at Sycamore Park. She said: "It's been absolutely horrendous. She was ripped apart," recalled Lynn.

Lynn continued sharing their regular Saturday routine: "We walk that park every Saturday, there are lots of children there, lots of dogs; there's never been a problem. She was walking round the edge of the park and all of a sudden this girl let go of the lead and this dog came running across and just tried to kill her and made Kayleigh's hand bleed."

"I think he might have thought she was a rabbit or whatever - but he was in for the kill. It ripped her intestines out, it fractured her back. Kayleigh was distressed she couldn't get the dog off her and couldn't get the dog off her hand."

"A man heard Kayleigh screaming and came round from one of the houses to help. I have had a comment 'I heard the screaming, it was horrendous.' In the end, she got hold of it and kicked the dog."

After nearly an hour's journey to Solihull to the closest available vet, Ruby was stabilised and endured an overnight operation to salvage her life. "She is lucky to be alive," declared Lynn.

"The vet rang up and asked: 'Do you want us to put her down? ' It broke our hearts. She's such a sweetheart, 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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