A TINY Yorkshire terrier is today lucky to be alive after being savaged by a larger dog in a public park in Felixstowe.Ian Potter was walking with his pet Bambi in the resort's Coronation park when the other animal rushed up, grabbed the terrier in its teeth and shook it violently – leaving it needing 30 stitches.

A TINY Yorkshire terrier is today lucky to be alive after being savaged by a larger dog in a public park in Felixstowe.

Ian Potter was walking with his pet Bambi in the resort's Coronation park when the other animal rushed up, grabbed the terrier in its teeth and shook it violently - leaving it needing 30 stitches.

Mr Potter, of Elizabeth Way, today called on Suffolk Coastal council to investigate the incident and bring a prosecution, as it says it could do on signs at each entrance to the park and sports ground.

So far he has been unable to persuade the council to take action and has written to its chief executive Jan Ormondroyd to complain.

"If you didn't clear up after your dog and they caught you, I am sure they would soon find a way to fine you £1,000," said Mr Potter.

"But my dog has been savaged by a dog that I believe was not under proper control.

"The police cannot take action because it was a dog injuring a dog and so it is up to the local authority as it is their property and they have the by-laws. It seems pretty pointless though putting up warning signs if they will not prosecute."

Signs at the entrances to the park say: "Dogs must be kept under control at all times. Any person failing to keep a dog under control may be prosecuted."

Mr Potter was walking seven year old Bambi in the park on his lead when the other dog suddenly ran up at high-speed.

"Bambi was only about six inches away from my leg but this other dog was running free and he came tearing up and grabbed him," he said.

"He shook him in his mouth as if he was a toy - it was awful and I thought he had killed him."

Bambi needed 30 stitches in one of his back legs. He is now on the mend but has been left very nervous and Mr Potter is worried about taking him back to the park where they used to walk every day.

No-one was available today to comment from Suffolk Coastal District Council.

n Should dogs be kept on leads in public parks? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk