A distraught dog owner today told of the horrifying moment her beloved pet was mauled to death in front of her.

Lisa Greenard has been left in shock after witnessing the fatal assault on two-year-old Jack Russell Enrique by a Japanese Akita.

The 32-year-old required hospital treatment on cuts to her hands and wrists, which have caused nerve damage, as she desperately tried to pull her pet from the attacker.

Miss Greenard, of Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, has been signed off from work with acute distress.

“He was my only pet and I’ve had him from a puppy – my world has just been shattered. I was absolutely devastated.

“I haven’t been able to sleep properly because the noise my dog made keeps running through my head – that awful noise, it will stay with me forever.”

The incident took place last Sunday in Palmerston Road as Miss Greenard took Enrique for a walk.

She said: “This dog just came from nowhere, crushed Enrique’s rib cage and punctured his lung.

“I tried to save him but he bit my hand. I wish I hadn’t taken him that way. I feel so guilty – I can’t get over it.”

Despite Miss Greenard’s ordeal she has claimed that police have told her they are unable to take any action against the owner of the dog because they don’t think a crime has been committed.

“I don’t think that’s fair because I did what any dog owner would do which is protect their dog,” she said. “Now I have a life-long scar on my right hand which will remind me of it every day.”

However police have said no decision has yet been made yet.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said: “The event is still open which indicates we will look at it to see what the full situation is.”

Miss Greenard, who is a site secretary with Longcross construction, said she has received support from colleagues since the attack.

“My work have been brilliant,” she said.

“They’ve sent me a few flowers and one of them said they would buy me a dog when I’m ready – I think that would be a healer.”

The Evening Star tried to contact the Japanese Akita’s owner, but they were unavailable for comment.

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