A West Belfast family mourns the loss of their son’s dog after a fatal attack by a “pocket bully”.
Conor Hartley said his mother walked Guss, a Jack Russell, on February 12. The attack occurred in Moor Park Mews when a bulldog type dog, unleashed, attacked Guss.
Guss had to be put down after the attack because vets said he wouldn’t survive the night. His injuries were too severe.
Conor stated Guss was attacked near their home and without warning by a larger dog. Conor believes it was a ‘pocket bully,’ a mix of bulldog and smaller breed.
The “bulldog” clamped its jaws onto Guss and shook the Jack Russell violently. The attacking dog refused to release him, and neighbors helped free Guss; it took several people.
Conor’s mother fell and was injured while protecting Guss. They got Guss for Conor’s son when he was two, and the boy grew up with him. The entire family loved him.
They are heartbroken by Guss’s death, and Conor’s son is devastated. Guss’s injuries were gruesome and vets said treatment wouldn’t save him.
They reported the attack to the police and contacted the dog warden. They were told little could be done, and the owner may only get a muzzle order, which Conor finds shocking.
He fears the dog could attack again and another dog or child could be hurt. He thinks the dog is not properly cared for, since it attacked Guss without provocation.
Belfast City Council is aware of the attack. Their Dog Warden Service is investigating, but they cannot comment further presently.