FEARS are growing that children could be at risk of attack by a dog said to have killed six cats in Beeston Rylands.A Staffordshire bull terrier was seen running near a children's playground with a dead cat in its jaws.
And in another incident, a cat was cornered in a garden and killed.
There are reports of three further dog attacks on pet cats.
Pensioner Reg Andrew, of Beeston Rylands, whose nine-year-old cat Smokie was killed near Leyton Crescent playground about eight weeks ago, said he believed
the incident was the first of up to six in the area as many more cats were missing from home.
"We were heartbroken," he said. "To elderly people like us, a cat is a part of the family.
"And to have it savagely killed is horrendous, not only to the cat but the owners. What happens if the dog turns from killing cats to young kids or babies? That's the
fear we have."
Mr Andrew said he had feared the worst after Smokie failed to come home for the first time in her life.
And when his wife went looking for her the next morning a passer-by said she had seen a dog running up and down the field with a limp, grey cat, matching the
description of Smokie, in its mouth. They later found the body in a nearby field.
Mr Andrew said his neighbour's cat Millie was also chased into her owner's garden and killed on Saturday, August 8, by a Staffordshire bull terrier.
And he has been told of a cat two streets away being chased inside a house and killed at the top of the stairs.
"Since our cat was killed there have been two more that we know have been killed and two or three others that have gone missing," he said.
"I've seen posters up all around Beeston Rylands. Personally I think if there is a dog running round that is killing cats it wants checking, because when does it
change from cats to kids?"
Brotowe Borough Coun Steve Barber, who spoke to Mr Andrew about his ordeal, said he also feared children could be at risk because the attacks had happened
so close to people.
"Mr Andrew was in a distressed state and told me his cat had been killed and the dog was running rampage," he said.
"He said he was told the dog was running round the recreation ground – which is where there is a children's playground – with the dead cat in its mouth.
"I am deeply concerned. If the dog could do this to cats, could he attack a child is the question I have got to ask?
"It is an appalling situation.
"The dog warden is aware of two incidents being reported, but Mr Andrew alleges there had been six in total. I would say people do need to be vigilant.
Coun Barber urged anyone with information to come forward. "I own two cats myself so I fully sympathise," he added. Police said only the incident on August 8 was
reported to them, and was referred to the dog warden.
Broxtowe Borough Council said it was currently investigating two reported incidents involving a Staffordshire bull terrier dog attacking two cats in the Beeston area.
"We take these incidents very seriously and have started an investigation into the cases," said a spokeswoman.
"Statements have been taken from the witnesses.
"No other owners have contacted us with direct evidence that it was this same dog responsible for the attacks – it is only speculation at this time."
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