Cat died just days after attack

ON THE afternoon of Saturday, June 20, my wife and I were in the rear garden at our home address.

Our pet cat, Charlie, was on the front drive of the house.

Suddenly I heard two children shouting at the front and, on going out, our cat shot past me.

A Staffordshire Terrier, black in colour was chasing her.

My wife shut the rear gate and I managed to halt the dog, trying to deter it.

Eventually, it turned away and I chased it across the front garden.

By this time the woman, presumably the children's mother, attempted to collect the animal, the dog's lead in her hand.

It was clear that this animal had not had a lead on at that time and she was not in proper control of the dog which she should be.

At that time I was not aware of the injuries to our cat and stated she should have had the lead on the dog.

She made no comment, not even an apology, and carried on with the animal and children.

On reflection, I should have enquired as to her name and address.

On checking the cat, it was clear she was in a state of shock and could not walk properly.

We decided to visit the vet, who gave her injections and tablets and asked us to return on Monday.

Regrettably, later that day, her condition deteriorated and we therefore attended Northside Emergency Clinic in Aldridge Road, Great Barr. She had blood underneath, was being sick and walking backwards.

The clinic said it was in our interests to leave Charlie overnight with them.

The following morning we rang and were advised she had a comfortable night.They suggested that we take her home, making sure she rested.

Regrettably, on Monday morning, 3am, her condition deteriorated. We immediately went to Northside again, but although attempts were made to keep her alive, she passed away.

The gentleman at the clinic stated that trauma and internal bruising, with the possibility of a blood clot, was probably the cause of her death.

My wife and I have lost a loving and friendly cat. Children nearby were always fussing her and will miss her.

Apparently at the time of the attack by the dog, she was rolling over on her back, not realising what was going to happen.

A neighbour saw the incident and it appears the dog just jumped on her.

My annoyance is the fact that this animal was not on a lead.

Surely, this woman should have had the sense to use a lead, especially with her children being around.

Furthermore, could she have apologised at that time or even returned the following day to enquire about the cat's condition.

I request this be printed, hoping the person who owns this dog has the courtesy to contact us to apologise, in addition to making sure the dog is kept on a lead to avoid further injury.

Valerie and Robert Smith, Four Oaks.