Two-year-old Rocky was “torn apart” by two unleashed dogs in St Martin’s Gardens

Published: 25 April, 2013
by TOM FOOT

AGGRESSIVE dogs with irresponsible owners have turned a tranquil public park into a no-go zone, according to owners of a chihuahua which was mauled to death by two Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

Two-year-old Rocky was “torn apart” by two unleashed dogs in St Martin’s Gardens, Camden Town, at around 6pm last Tuesday.

Police say they are investigating.

Rocky’s owner Stephen Hough, 59, who lives on the Curnock Street Estate, said: “That park used to be a really nice place to go, but in the last year or so it’s changed a lot.

“There are too many dogs without leads. Not all Staffs are dangerous at all, but something is making them more and more unstable.

"I don’t know if it’s the cross-breeding or not. We just want to warn people about what it’s like around there now.”

He added: “The two dogs came racing over and Rocky didn’t stand a chance. If you have an aggressive dog, don’t let it off the lead. It’s as simple as that.”

Rocky was pronounced dead in the nearby Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital Royal Veterinary College in Royal College Street. Mr Hough’s other dog, a Jack Russell named Rambo, had tried to save his housemate.

Mr Hough said: “Rambo was the leader of the family in a way. He broke off his lead to save Rocky, but it was too late.”

Mr Hough’s son-in-law, Lawrence Kirby, 22, added: “Those dogs tore Rocky apart. But when I spoke to the police I was told it was a civil matter.

"If a dog bites and or kills another animal the police should hold the owner of the dog responsible.

“I think that if people want to own dogs such as Staffs they should have some sort of training or a licence.”

The sad death of Rocky follows that of seven-stone American bulldog “Mr T” in Belsize Park last year.

Wayne Stearman said he was trying to save his Staffordshire Terrier, Monty, from the jaws of Mr T. In that case, police said only a charge of criminal damage could be brought.

Last week, there were calls for the council to investigate after two Staffs terriers allegedly killed a fox in a Swiss Cottage public park.

A Town Hall spokesman said the council had set up a “dog hub” to investigate attacks and better train owners of dangerous dogs.

A police spokesman said: “The Safer Neighbourhood team are making contact with the victim.

“We are aware of the incident and we are investigating.”