Devastation for family as ‘loving dog’ is put down after attack in Bognor Regis

One of Maryann’s grandchildren with Lucy, a cross Staffy/Jack Russell

Maryann Williams, 69, of Chestnut Grove, said her 13-year-old cross staffie/Jackrussel, Lucy, escaped through the back gate, which had been left open following the theft of her brand new bike just minutes before on Friday, April 24.

Lucy was found in the garden several hours later ‘covered in blood’.

Maryann said: “A neighbour said she [Lucy] had been attacked by a black Staffy. She was treated for delayed shock, given antibiotics and pain killers. She had several puncture wounds and a patch of fur pulled out.

Maryann said her family is still ‘really upset’ about the loss of the dog, who had been part of the family for 13 years

“We’re still trying to find out what dog it was. It bit her back in several places. It could have done it to a child.”

Lucy couldn’t recover from the injuries or shock so had to be put down last Tuesday (May 5).

Maryann, who has four daughters, 16 grandchildren and two great-granddaughers, said the whole family is still ‘really upset’ one week on.

She added: “I was absolutely shocked that she had got into a scrap. She was such a loving dog, she loved everybody, and she probably would have gone on a few more years.

Maryann said her stolen bike was distinctive and brand new. Information about the theft can be reported to the police online or call 101, quoting serial 709 of 27/04

“Lucy was in the Illumination Gala every year for eight years, wearing a coat with lights on it and flashing collar and lead. She loved to go in to the crowd to see the children and let them pat her.

“We won several third and second prizes and in her last entry, before retiring in 2017, we won first prize. She was also nominated for the Canine Hero Award after alerting me to neighbours who had falls and a house fire.

“It’s strange now when I look towards the window and she’s not there.”

Sussex Police said there are no further lines of enquiry following the theft of Maryann’s red FreeGo Hawk electric bicycle, but anyone with any information can report it online or call 101, quoting serial 709 of 27/04.

“It was brand new and very distinctive,” Maryann said. “I had only been on it three times.

“I had been meaning to put it away in the shed when it was cleared.”

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