A dog owner has been left 'traumatised' after his whippet was mauled by a mastiff and died despite undergoing surgery costing £8,000.
The 66-year-old man was walking the animal, along with his three other dogs, through Clissold Park, Stoke Newington, when a grey-blue mastiff savagely attacked it.
The dog, which was not on a lead, bit the eight-year-old whippet and began 'vigorously shaking' it, police said.
When its owner approached, her by then bloodied dog dropped its victim before both left the east London park.
Despite extensive veterinary treatment, the whippet died a day after the shocking attack.
Police investigating the incident, which happened between 10.30 and 11.30am on May 28, are now hunting the mastiff's owner.
She is described as white, 5'7", aged between 35 and 40 with blonde hair that was tied up in a ponytail.
Pc Matt Stringer from Hackney Police, who is investigating the incident, appealed for information about the attack as he warned other dog owners to be vigilant.
He said: “Although the victim was not physically harmed, this experience has been deeply traumatic for him and has been a cause for huge concern among other dog walkers in the area.
“I would urge anyone with information about this owner or the incident to call officers as soon as possible."
He continued: "It is all owners’ responsibility to ensure that they keep their dog under control to prevent this type of attack on other animals and potentially people too."
Anyone with information should call police on 020 8721 2031 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
