Charlton Cherry Orchard Estate: ‘XL Bully’ killed pet dog

An elderly man had to carry his dead dog’s body back home after an “XL Bully dog” mauled his beloved Jack Russell to death during a walk in Charlton.

The man and his dog were attacked on Saturday, July 13, at the Cherry Orchard Estate not far from a local school.

John Lawrence Kane, 83, known locally as Jack, was out walking his six-year-old Jack Russell, Daisy, when they encountered two people walking two "XL Bully"-type dogs.

One of the dogs managed to break free after the couple, a young man and woman, turned a corner.

The dog then reportedly went straight for Daisy and mauled her, which soon led to her death and left Jack with a severe hand injury.

Sean Kane, John's son, told the News Shopper: “When this happened, my dad literally had to bring the dog home by himself.

"Daisy was obviously dead in his arms, and he had a serious hand injury and he had to walk about 400 yards back to the house.

“When my sister opened the door and they saw what had happened, my mum, who is unwell and on oxygen, almost ended up back in the hospital again.

“I've never seen my dad cry like that. My dad's a pretty tough character. He witnessed it and couldn't do anything about it. He couldn't get this dog off.”

The family then got in touch with the police, but an ambulance was unable to be sent to the scene so officers took to Saint Thomas’ instead.

Sean added: “The police took my dad to the hospital and were great. They sat with him for as long as they could before they had to move on.

“I don’t think the hospital knew how bad it was until they took the bandage off that the police had put on for him.

“If you imagine the back of your hand, all you could see was flesh.

"They think he's going to need plastic surgery.”

John's injured hand following the attack (Image: Sean)

A woman, thought to be the owner of the dogs, turned herself into the police a few days later on July 16 and police are continuing their investigation.

John's son said: "Daisy was a lovely family dog, very good-natured, and wouldn't hurt anyone.

"She had a unique way of asking for treats by sitting on her backside with her paws up.”

“It's horrifying to think that such dangerous dogs are walking around freely. No matter the breed it is it. It cannot be on the streets.”

Police are now asking any witnesses or people to come forward to help them with their investigation.

Anyone who witnessed this incident but has not yet spoken with police should call 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting 2657/13JUL.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “We can confirm that police were called at 10:28hrs on Saturday, 13 July to a report of an attack by what is thought to be an XL Bull Dog at Cherry Orchard Estate, Charlton.

“The suspect was reported to have been walking with two XL Bully type dogs when one of them managed to slip the lead and attacked a man walking his dog.

“The victim, a man aged 80s, suffered a serious hand injury. His dog, a Jack Russell, was sadly killed in the attack.

“The injured man was taken by officers to hospital where the injury to his hand, although not life threatening, requires extensive medical treatment.

“On Tuesday, 16 July a woman, thought to be the owner of the dogs, made herself known to police. Enquiries are ongoing.

“Anyone who witnessed this incident but has not yet spoken with police should call 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting 2657/13JUL.

“To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on visit crimestoppers-uk.org.”