Dog 'put to sleep' after being attacked in Ballykelly

A beloved pet dog had to be 'put to sleep' after it was attacked by another dog in a County Derry village at the weekend.

It's understood a woman was walking her dog on the Station Road area of Ballykelly on Saturday afternoon (September 21) when it was attacked by one of two dogs which were not on leads. The dog which was attacked later had to be put down due to the extent of its injuries.

The incident was highlighted on the community Facebook page 'Ballykelly'.
A post on the page stated: “The male who was on the shore road at approx 13.35 this afternoon with a bully type dog please make yourself known. You ran away leaving my sister’s little dog dead with devastating injuries and my sister totally in bits. Please show some respect and come forward. Police are on attendance. Update wee dog has to be put to sleep due to its injuries.”

The PSNI last night confirmed they were aware of the incident.
A spokesperson said: “Police received a report of a dog attack in the Station Road area of Ballykelly on Saturday afternoon, 21st September.
“A woman was walking her dog in the area when it was attacked by one of two dogs who were not on leads. The dog had to be put to sleep due to the extent of its injuries.
“Enquiries are continuing – and the matter will be passed to the local dog warden who will investigate.”

The incident has left local residents shocked.
One poster on Facebook wrote: “I walk that lane and road every day of the week, I've a large staff that's never off the leash, but the amount of people that walk their dogs down there off the leash is a joke, many of their dogs are small breeds and they do like to try and challenge my own dog. And sadly if anything were to even happen I'd get the blame because I've the bigger dog even though he's protecting himself. What happened yesterday shouldn't have happened, it doesn't matter what size or breed the dogs just keep them under control.”

Another comment read: “Walk my son's dog down the Shore Road dread to think if this was his dog and this happened to her. That poor girl witnessed the attack as well. My heart goes out to her.”

One pet owner called for all dogs to be on a lead when being walked.

“Poor wee dog and its owner. Absolutely heartbreaking. Wouldn't even walk down there now with my dog. Disgraceful you can't be safe when walking your own dog in your own village. Dogs need to be on a lead and if dangerous to other dogs muzzled,” said the poster.

Causeway Coast and Glens Council have been contacted for comment.