Shrewsbury cat owner's call for legal changes after dog's savage attack on beloved pet

A Shropshire cat owner has launched a campaign to call for legal changes after her beloved pet was savaged and nearly killed by a dog.

Victoria Ireland’s rescue cat Sandy needed extensive veterinary treatment and months of recovery after the attack in April.

The 44-year-old author, from Belvidere in Shrewsbury, has now launched a petition calling for changes in the law to protect pets from dangerous dogs.

She says currently the law, which was brought in back in 1990, protects people and service dogs - but does not provide enough protection for other pets.

Victoria, who took Sandy in as a rescue cat when she was just two, said she is horrified at the lack of official action following the incident.

Sandy’s attack was captured on CCTV but the injured cat disappeared in the aftermath, only reappearing after Victoria and her family had searched for her.

The attack, from a dog which was with its owner but off its lead, left Sandy with a punctured lung, damaged liver, and a torn tendon in her leg.

It was only when Victoria heard her outside the window that she discovered the extent of her injuries and rushed her to the vet.

Sandy was given emergency treatment with the vet warning the attack could have killed her - or resulted in the loss of a leg.

Thankfully following a lengthy rehabilitation Sandy has made a full recovery but Victoria was told the incident would not result in police action.

Now Victoria is leading the campaign for changes to protect animals like Sandy, through a new ‘Sandy’s Law’.

She said: “Cats could be just killed and injured, nothing is done about it, the same with dogs. As a nation of animal lovers most people probably think the same as me - thought that something does protect them, but there’s nothing there so this is why I want things to change.”

Victoria said changes to the law would hold dog owners accountable for their animals and provide compensation for resulting vet bills.

The petition states: “Pets are often regarded as family members, and it's horrifying to think they aren't adequately protected under existing laws. Many families have faced the devastation of seeing their pets attacked - or worse - and have found themselves without recourse. It’s time for us to vocalise this critical gap in the law and ensure pets, beloved family members in so many households, are given the protection they deserve.”

The petition is available online.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the Dangerous Dogs Act makes it an offence to allow any dog, regardless of breed, to be dangerously out of control.

It said dog attacks on other animals may amount to an offence but that it is for the police and Crown Prosecution Service to consider what action is appropriate in individual cases.

A spokesman said: “Dog attacks on pets can have a devastating impact on owners and we take these incidents seriously.

“We continue to work with the police, local authorities and animal welfare groups to encourage responsible dog ownership across all breeds and ensure the current dog control rules protect communities.”