Investigation after police dog in Beckenham attacks cat who later died

Spangle, who was 11, died after vets feared his "horrific" injuries had left him paralysed and his lungs punctured.

He was "savaged" on the morning of July 6 when police officers swarmed Clement Road in Beckenham.

A man was reportedly tasered on the street before a knife was recovered after he was allegedly following a concerned woman.

Shirley Anthony, 60, followed some of the events from her bedroom window.

She said most of the officers dispersed after the incident, but two police vehicles remained on her street.

A large police dog on a lead then emerged from a van and began roaming her garden.

Soon after Shirley heard a dog bark and what sounded like a cat’s cry.

It was 6.30am when an officer knocked on her door.

"He asked me whether I owned a black and white cat and that he was sorry but that his colleague's dog attacked it.

"I was horrified and very quiet because I think I was in shock. They said there was a bit of blood on its tail so they brought it to the vets.

"I told the policeman I thought dogs were trained," the devastated cat owner told News Shopper.

After speaking to the vet, Shirley learned just how serious Spangle's injuries were.

The vet had to operate immediately because of multiple puncture holes.

"The dog’s intent was to kill," Shirley claimed after learning that fur was found deep inside her cat's wounds.

Her neighbour, who claimed to witness the attack, told Shirley what she had seen.

"She said she saw my cat walking around the corner and a big dog, different to the one I saw, followed her.

"My cat was looking back at this dog and didn’t know whether to run.

"The dog literally attacked, and she said it was horrific to watch. The policeman was not far behind and the dog wasn’t on a lead.

"He dropped the cat when the policeman called him back."

She has made an official complaint to the Met Police after allegedly being told by an officer that the dog "didn't like cats".

Spangle, who was bitten several times, struggled to recover in the days afterwards and was eventually put down.

"I couldn’t go to work," Shirley said. "I’ve been distraught and it’s like losing a member of the family.

"He was only 11 and my son was very close to him too. He is really upset.

"This is just really awful, and it has been traumatic."

Spangle’s vet bills came to £8,000, which Shirley said the police are thankfully covering.

She added many people have sent their condolences and have expressed disbelief over what happened.

"If he had a muzzle, I would still have my Spangle sleeping on my bed every night," Shirley said after being told the dog had been let outside to go to the toilet.

"It is just unbelievable. This is why it’s so hard to get over – it all seems so unnecessary."

A police spokesman said the matter was being investigated and alleged dog bits are taken "very seriously".

The full statement read: "Officers from the Met’s Dog Support Unit were called to support officers responding to an incident in Clement Road, Beckenham.

"Upon police arrival, the suspects had fled the scene. An officer and police dog were tasked with searching a nearby residential address in order to assist the investigation.

"Prior to the search taking place, the police dog was released for a short comfort break, as is standard, to ensure the dog is focussed on the task ahead. During this time, a cat was bitten by the police dog.

"Despite emergency veterinary care immediately being sought, the cat later died. The owner was contacted and informed of the circumstances.

"A complaint has been received and the matter is being investigated by the Met Taskforce Professional Standards Unit.

"Licensed police dogs are subject to continual training and assessment for obedience, safety and control. Any confirmed or alleged dog bite involving any MPS police dog is taken very seriously and thoroughly investigated."