Pet Samaritans help fund treatment for savaged cat

A Bexley Charity has come to the rescue of a cat mauled by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Animal Samaritans has partially funded treatment for horrific injuries to seven-year old Dennis after he was attacked in his garden late at night.

Dennis was left unrecognisable with his face torn apart, his eye hanging out and puncture wounds to his stomach in the most serious attack the charity has ever seen.

The dog viciously lunged for the cat in the garden in Sunderford Way, Downham and held him in a vice like grip for 20 minutes as the horrified owner tried to prize its jaw open.

Dennis’s owner, Colleen Norton, 22 said “I was woken by a woman screaming at around 12.45 am and then I heard Dennis and my heart just lurched.  I thought he was going to be killed”.

“My dad went outside and saw the extent of the attack and told me not to go outside.  There were four people fighting with the dog screaming at it and trying to get it off Dennis but Staffordshire Bull Terriers get lock jaw and there’s nothing you can about it”.

“It went on for about 20 minutes before Dennis was freed.  We didn’t think he would survive. He still might not.”

Chris Bishop, chairman of Animal Samaritans said “When we saw the photos we immediately said we would help.  I have never seen an attack like this.  Cats normally would not survive this sort of attack, as they would die of shock”.

“The initial treatment cost around £800 but Dennis is going to need on-going treatment.   We will help out where we can but we are a charity with limited resources”.

Miss Norton is now terrified that other cats or even children might be attacked by the dog.  She said “There is nothing the police can do about the attack, as you do not have to report injuring a cat as you do a dog.”

Miss Norton says she has been unable to track down the owner since that night.  She added “We have no idea of the dog’s history or if it has attacked before.”

For details on Animal Samaritans or to offer a donation call 020 8303 1859 or visit www.animalsamaritans.org.uk

Hi, I recently adopted a Yorkshire terrier who I've called Buddy.  He is brilliant so soft and loving I couldn't have found a better companion.

I have just got back some photo's of him and thought I'd send you some so you can put them on the site.

Thank you for helping me find Buddy and keep up the brilliant work,  there are so many deserving animals out there why people insist on getting puppies instead of looking to adopt amazes me.

Once again thank you

Kind regards

Gay

Chris,

Please find attached a picture of Murphy who I rescued via the Animal Samaritans in August 2003.  He's a happy and contented dog, who loves digging, playing with footballs and bursting them, now that he lives by the Thames he loves his walkies.

Thanks for assisting me in finding and keep up thegood work

Yours

David Burn

Dear Animal Samaritans

Hi I thought I would drop you a line and send you a picture of "Zeek" he was known as "Decker" when we adopted him from you one-and-a-half years ago.

He has now settled in well and is loved to bit's.  But still as mad as a hatter and doesn't know what no or don't means, I doubt he ever will!?  Seems to become deaf when either of those are mentioned - ha-ha.

Anyway I am sending you a picture of the happy little chap and wanted to thank you for finding my best mate.

Zeek

Dear Mrs Bishop

I would like to thank you for arranging dental treatment for my poodle, called Doodles, to be paid for by the Animal Samaritans. I personally suffer from ill health and receive benefit which was not the type acceptable to get treatment from the PDSA. You have taken a big worry off me by helping to get my dog treatment.

I have enclosed a cheque for £50 as my way of thanking the Animal Samaritans also a cheque for £5 fo become a member.

I obtained Doodles from a couple who were in the process of a divorce and he gives me a great deal of pleasure and companionship. Doodles is now 4 to 5 years old and is a toy poodle. If you ever receive a toy poodle (dog) of a similar age I would be interested in having another one to keep him company. I have no young children at home so if the opportunity to have another one arises where a dog does not get on with young children this would not be a problem.

Thanks again
John Warwicher from Erith