AN horrific attack resulted in the death of Benj, Rachel Jenkins' harmless King Charles spaniel.

Rachel, from, Leigh was walking Benj on a lead through Lilford Park when they were approached by an off-lead Rottweiler which attacked and killed her pet.

She told the Journal: "Other dog owners should be warned of the dangers as I wrongly believed that my dog was safe on its lead in the park. How wrong!

"The rottweiler was not on a lead and considering the park was full of children and other dog walkers at the time feel he was not a responsible dog owner.

"There is very little in the law to protect small dogs from attacks like this with the police only able to get involved if a person is injured or feels at risk them selves. A dog's life does not seem to matter. Considering what a massive affect Benj's death has had on our family this feels very unfair!"

Rachel's mum, Edna Lawton, from Atherton, said: "This tragic incident could have been avoided had the owner taken control when twice asked to do so.

"My daughter should have been safe walking her dog on a lead, in a public park but has now lost a much-loved family pet.

"Our sincere thanks go to the ladies who stopped to help, to the gentleman who reported the incident and to the kind man who took control of the situation, took my daughter and Benj to his home and ensured she was able to contact her husband. Thank you all so much for your kindness."

Police have been informed and are continuing their inquiries.

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