This is the shocking video of a
Labrador guide dog being savagely attacked by a
pitbull-cross dog in a railway station subway.
A 57-year-old blind woman was walking through Cricklewood station when her guide dog, Neela, a brown Labrador, was attacked by another dog.
Transport police today issued the images in a bid to trace the violent dog's owner.
Detective Constable Gerry Griffin said: “This dog was not muzzled and was dangerously out of control.
“The woman was extremely distressed and feared for own safety. What made this awful incident even more harrowing was the fact that the man made no effort to assist her or to check that she was alright once the attack was over.”
Her guide dog suffered a deep puncture wound to the neck and is still receiving veterinary treatment after the incident on Sunday, 4 October.
Police say the attack lasted around three minutes.
The
pitbull-cross dog's owner kicked and punched his animal to prise it away from the guide dog before both ran off towards Lichfield Road.
The man is described as white, aged mid to late twenties and around 5'11 tall, of slim build.
He had a cropped beard, brownish to red hair, which was cut short. He was wearing a grey- coloured top and black tracksuit bottoms.
The dog is described as a muscular terrier, possibly a cross-breed, brown with white paws, white around its nose and at the tip of its tail.
DC Griffin said: “We have carried out a number of local enquiries and ask that anyone who recognises the man gets in contact with us.
“The owner would do well to hand himself in as his animal poses a clear danger to other dogs and to the public.”
The incident comes amid mounting concern over the number of so-called “weapon dogs” being used by young criminals.
Deputy Mayor for Policing, Kit Malthouse, said: "This is a revolting attack and must have been terrifying for its owner.
"Unfortunately, these types of attacks occur on a daily basis in London. I hear of family pets and other dogs being killed, mutilated or scarred for life as well as people being attacked or intimidated.
"That is why I am calling for tougher penalties for owners who allow their dogs to be aggressive toward others. Serious penalties will make dog owners think twice, but it is also time for us to have a national debate on how to deal with these canine weapons."
Scotland Yard expects to seize more than 1,000 dangerous dogs this year, up from 719 in 2008.
Anyone with information about the Cricklewood attack should
British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
