'Britain's oldest dog', 25, mauled to death by terrier in park

Jack the Yorkshire Terrier, who was 117 in dog years, was killed when a black Lakeland terrier began biting him

The 25-year-old Yorkshire Terrier was mauled by the black Lakeland terrier in a Hartlepool park (Rex Features)

The owner of what was thought to be Britain's oldest dog has been left devastated after it was savaged to death on its morning walk.

Jack the Yorkshire terrier, who was 25, making him 117 in human years, was attacked just after owner Ray Bunn parked by Hartlepool Marina.

Mr Bunn, 70, said he would meet a friend to walk Jack every day but,as he returned to his car to get the lead, a black Lakeland terrier ran up, tore the dog from his friend's arms and began to attack him.

"It started to sink its teeth into the dog and I began punching it in the face but it wouldn't let go," he said.

"When it eventually stopped, Jack was left in a pool of blood on the floor. So I put him in the back of the car and took him to a vet but he came out and examined him and said he had gone."

Mr Bunn said Jack had been in the family for 16 years after being rescued from his previous owners who had tied him to a tree.

He said he loved to eat sirloin steak and suffered from epileptic fits, causing him to urinate on Mr Bunn's head one evening after falling asleep in the bed with him and his wife.

He said of Jack's death: "We're devastated. My wife had a panic attack and couldn't breathe.

"He was brilliant, very intelligent. If he wanted his tea he would tell you, if he wanted taking out he would tell you. He was a marvellous dog. He was a character, everybody loved him."

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "Police received a report from a male that his dog had been attacked yesterday morning in Hartlepool and sadly it passed away.

"Cleveland Police will make inquiries into whether any offences have taken place."

PA