Thamesmead mum 'traumatised' after dangerous dogs kill Chiweenie in attack at Southmere Lake

Louise Skipp, 29, of Yarnton Way, was taking care of her mum’s four-year-old Chiweenie, a Chihuahua and Dachshund cross-breed.

She was walking Buddy at Southmere Lake at around 7.30pm on August 13 and had handed over the lead to her son Riley, 9, so Buddy could have a run when the gang of dogs cornered him.

Ms Skipp told News Shopper: “Buddy only had little legs so didn’t really need much exercise but he loved running with my boys.

“They were running with him on his lead and when I looked behind I saw three men with five dogs – none on a lead – start running towards my boys.

Louise Skipp says Buddy was like part of the family

“I screamed but one of the dogs had Buddy by the throat in his mouth.

“I pushed my kids to the side and thankfully a man at a barbeque nearby kept my children safe while I tried to rescue Buddy.

“He was still breathing and yelping in pain when I managed to get him but his tongue was hanging out of his mouth – I could tell he was losing energy very quickly.”

Ms Skipp and her sister rushed Buddy to the vet but he died of internal injuries in the early hours of the following morning.

In the meantime the men made a quick escape.

Riley and Ms Skipp’s other children Sonny, 7, and Isabelle, 2, are devastated by the loss of their pet.

She said: “My kids are traumatised by what they have seen.

“He was my mum’s family dog who I was looking after while she was on holiday but we visit every day so Buddy was one of the family.

“I keep having nightmares and jumping in my sleep because I was in amongst all of those dogs and all I can see is Buddy’s poor little face.”

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Now Ms Skipp has started a petition in the hope that Peabody, who are in charge of the Southmere Estate, will put up signs to enforce rules stating that dogs should be on leads.

There is no law that states that dogs need to be on leads in public places, but it is against the law to let any dog be “dangerously out of control”, for example if it injures someone or makes someone worried it might injure them.

However, the law is a lot less clear when it comes to dogs attacking other dogs, meaning some dog owners don’t realise they have options if their pet is a victim of an attack.

Two-year-old Isabelle walking Buddy moments before the attack

A spokesperson for Gallions Housing Association, which is part of the Peabody group, said: “We are very sorry to hear about this dog attack and our sympathies are with the family.

“However, as a housing provider we do not have the powers to enforce by-laws.

“We will continue to encourage everyone to report dog attacks, nuisance, or sightings of banned breeds, to the police."

PC Chris Molnar from the Thamesmead police team said: "We are eager to find those responsible so we can ensure the safety for our residents.

"If anyone has any information about this incident please contact us on 02087212049 or email us thamesmead.snt@met.police.uk."