Much-loved cat mauled to death in Sheffield by greyhound without a muzzle

A Sheffield family have been left distraught after their much-loved cat was mauled to death by a greyhound.
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Monica, an 18-year-old family pet, was pounced on by the dog outside her home in Walkley on Friday (May 21).

Her owner Jennifer Harris said: “Monica was sitting where she always does. There was someone with a greyhound which was not muzzled on an extendable lead. It grabbed her and the owner had to wrestle the dog to get it off her.

"Monica must have quickly run away.

Monica, the much-loved 18-year-old family pet who was attacked by a greyhound in SheffieldMonica, the much-loved 18-year-old family pet who was attacked by a greyhound in Sheffield
Monica, the much-loved 18-year-old family pet who was attacked by a greyhound in Sheffield
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“She went to the back garden and was just lying there. Dad picked her up and brought her in and we had to call a vet to put her down she was in a bad way. It was gruesome.”

Jennifer said the incident was witnessed by neighbours who said the greyhound owner had just walked away from the scene.

She said: “We were devastated. Monica was the friendliest, most gentle cat and she would often be found making herself at home in the neighbours' gardens and houses. She was well loved.”

Jennifer reported the incident to the police but they are unable to prosecute the owner because it was an animal-on-animal attack.

Jennifer Harris is calling for dog owners to muzzle their petsJennifer Harris is calling for dog owners to muzzle their pets
Jennifer Harris is calling for dog owners to muzzle their pets
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The Dangerous Dogs Act states that it is illegal for a dog to be 'out of control' or attack or bite someone.

But the Act only applies if dogs attack or bite humans or an assistance dog, not regular house pets.

"I feel very strongly that the dog is a danger to the community,” said Jennifer. “I’m concerned it is going to do it again.”

She said it is not the first time this has happened in the area and has called for the dog’s owner to come forward.

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“I put it on my Facebook Walkley group and I’ve had loads of responses saying a greyhound – we can’t prove it’s the same one – on an extendable lead not muzzled has tried to go for the owner of another dog and another cat has been killed on Walkley Crescent Road. I think the owner should at least put a muzzle on his dog.”