Charity slated over dog mauling

A woman whose dog was killed by a lurcher with a history of aggression has criticised the organisation which re-homed the animal.

Teresa Dronfield's terrier Snooker was "tossed into the air" by the dog during an early morning walk last week.

The lurcher was destroyed after the attack, but Mrs Dronfield said she was angry it had ever been re-homed.

The charity in question, Dogs Trust, in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, said "every dog deserves a second chance".

What was the trust doing re-homing a dog like that? Teresa Dronfield

Mrs Dronfield described how her four-year-old pet was mauled as she went to tend to her daughter's pony in the village of Bishop's Itchington, Warwickshire, on Tuesday.

She said she spotted the lurcher with a man who was understood to be caring for it on behalf of the owner.

"It just broke free of the lead, ran towards Snooker and then tossed her into the air and just tore her to bits," Mrs Dronfield said.

"She was killed on the spot, it was so awful."

The 37-year-old marketing manager added: "My point is that the owner should never have been given that dog.

"What was the trust doing re-homing a dog like that?

"They should not be allowed to re-home dangerous dogs."

Disclaimer signed

The Dogs Trust - which used to be known as the National Canine Defence League - assigned the lurcher a new owner in 2000, despite its history of aggression towards other dogs.

In a statement, the charity said it was saddened to learn of the death of the terrier, but added that "every dog deserves a second chance at happiness".

"The new owners were aware that she was aggressive towards other dogs and were still prepared to take her on," the statement read.

"A disclaimer stating the terms and conditions of the adoption was signed by the new owner.

"These terms stated that the dog would be kept under control and on a lead at all times.

"Dogs, like almost all mammals, including humans, can show aggression."