A beloved family pet has been put to sleep after a reported attack by an unleashed Rottweiler in Armagh city on Saturday morning.
The incident is understood to have happened while a young woman was out on her usual morning walk with the family’s small dog, April, along Dawson Street – a route she is said to have walked “several times a day for years”.
In a post shared widely on social media, the young woman’s mother warned local people to be vigilant when out walking in the city.
She wrote: “People of Armagh please be vigilant when out walking.
“[My daughter] was walking her wee dog [on Saturday] morning, the same walk I’m sure people have seen her do several times a day for years.
“A drunken man had his Rottweiler – unleashed – walking along and the dog attacked April.
“As you can imagine she is distraught and April is ‘being made comfortable at the vets’.”
However, it is understood that April’s injuries were so severe that she had to be put to sleep.
Armagh Sinn Féin councillor Sarah Duffy said she was “deeply saddened” to learn of the incident and expressed sympathy to the owner, who was also injured.
In a statement, Cllr Duffy said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of a dog attack in Armagh City on Saturday morning, which tragically resulted in a small dog having to be put down.
“My thoughts are with the owner who was also injured, following what must have been a very distressing and heartbreaking experience. Incidents like this are not only devastating for those directly involved, but also for anyone who may have witnessed it.”
Cllr Duffy urged anyone with information to contact police.
“I would encourage anyone who may have seen what happened, or who has any information that could assist enquiries, to contact the PSNI on 101, quoting reference number 489,” she said.
“This incident is also an important reminder of the responsibility that comes with dog ownership. Owners have a duty to ensure their dogs are kept under proper control in public spaces at all times, to protect other animals and members of the public.”
Police have not yet released any details, but anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have dash-cam, CCTV or doorbell footage is urged to come forward.
