A MAN whose dog was attacked and killed by another dog in Porthkerry Country Park last week says there should be stricter laws to hold dog owners to account.

Aharon Mulreid, 30, of Salisbury Road, Barry, was on his way home from holiday when his mother, Pauline Mulreid, called to tell him his dog, Toby, was dead.

Ms Mulreid had been walking Toby, a Yorkshire Terrier, in the fields behind their home when he was attacked by a black Staffordshire Bull Terrier on Tuesday, October 3. With no sign of the dog’s owner, Ms Mulreid tried to protect Toby for what she estimates to have been around 12 minutes. By the time the owner arrived, it was too late.

Traumatised, but largely unharmed in the attack, Ms Mulreid was helped home by a passerby who later reported the incident to South Wales Police.

It was only when he returned that Mr Mulreid found out exactly what had happened, and was shocked to learn the laws governing ‘dog-on-dog’ killings.

“My mum broke down crying and told me that Toby was dead,” he said. “The dog forced my mum to the ground. It didn’t bite her but it was jumping on her, still trying to get my dog out of her hands. It was still persisting with its attack while she was on the ground trying to protect Toby.

“The owner eventually caught up, but the dog was still attacking Toby. It finished, when my dog was finished.”

According to the RSPCA, attacks by dogs on other animals, including dogs, are not a criminal offence. Whilst action can be taken against the dog, the owner would not be liable in court.

“I was angry because there is no law for a dog on dog killing,” said Mr Mulreid.“I think it’s quite disgusting given the circumstances that my dog was on the lead and his wasn’t. I hold the owner completely accountable.”

Vale council cabinet member Cllr Gordon Kemp said owners who were not in control of their dogs would be asked to leave the park.

“The council is extremely concerned by reports of what has taken place,” he said.

“Dealing with aggressive or dangerous dogs is a matter for the police and we would encourage anyone who witnesses instances of this nature to call them immediately.”

Mr Mulreid has set up a Just Giving page to raise money for Cardiff Dogs Home, where he and his partner Emma volunteer, in aid of ‘Toby’s Last Walk’, during which they will scatter his ashes on Pen Y Fan in the Brecon Beacons.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/aharon-mulreid-2.